Abdülaziz facts for kids

Sultan Abdülaziz of the Ottoman Empire

Abdülaziz (born 18 February 1830 – died 4 June 1876) was the 32nd Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He was also the 111th Caliph of Islam. He became sultan on 25 June 1861, when he was 31 years old. His rule lasted until 30 May 1876. Abdülaziz was the son of Sultan Mahmud II. He became sultan after his brother, Abdülmecid I, passed away. His time as sultan ended in 1876.

Sultan Abdülaziz: A Modern Leader

Sultan Abdülaziz enjoyed sports like wrestling and hunting. He also liked arm wrestling. During his rule, he worked hard to make the Ottoman Empire stronger.

Building a Stronger Empire

Abdülaziz greatly improved the Ottoman Navy. He made it the third largest navy in the world. This was a huge achievement! He also bought modern weapons for the Ottoman Army and made it bigger. These improvements cost a lot of money. This led to the empire owing large amounts of money to European countries.

Abdülaziz was the first Ottoman Sultan to visit Europe often. He also traveled a lot within his own country. He was the first sultan to visit Egypt since Sultan Selim I conquered it. He often met with leaders from other countries. This helped the Ottoman Empire connect more with the Western world. The empire's efforts to become more like Western countries, which started with the Edict Of Gülhane, continued under his rule.

New Ideas and Progress

Many new things happened during Abdülaziz's 15-year reign.

• New uniforms were made for soldiers.
• Post stamps were used for the first time.
• Lighthouses were built along the coasts.
• The Ottoman Bank was opened.
• New schools were opened, including high schools and industry schools.
• Schools for forestry, mining, and medicine were also started.
• Important leaders from France, Austria, and Iran visited Istanbul.
• The foundation for Sirkeci Station, a famous train station, was laid.
• New provinces were created across the country.
• Istanbul University was reorganized, following the French education system.

A Love for Horses

Sultan Abdülaziz had a special interest in horses. In 1864, he brought 90 mares (female horses) and two stallions (male horses) from Poland. These were Polish Arabian horses, known for their beauty and strength.

Images for kids

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  A portrait of Sultan Abdulaziz

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  The Ottoman Empire in 1875

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  Sultan Abdulaziz during his visit to the United Kingdom in 1867.

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  Imperial Coach used by Sultan Abdulaziz during his visit to Paris, London and Vienna in 1867, currently at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Istanbul.

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  Queen Victoria and Sultan Abdulaziz on the royal yacht HMY Victoria and Albert during the Sultan's visit to the United Kingdom in 1867.

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  The türbe (mausoleum) of Sultan Mahmud II (his father) on Divan Yolu street, where Abdulaziz was also buried.

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  Bedroom of Sultan Abdulaziz at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul.

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  Sarcophagus of Sultan Abdulaziz in the mausoleum of his father, Sultan Mahmud II. Some of the sultans' descendants are also buried nearby.

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  Admiral Hasan Rami Pasha supported the Sultan's modernization efforts.

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  Admission ticket to Lord Mayor Thomas Gabriel's reception of H.I.M. The Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz Khan at The Guildhall on 18 July 1867.

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  Culverin with the arms of Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam, Siege of Rhodes (1522). Remitted by Abdulaziz to Napoleon III in 1862.

See also

In Spanish: Abdülaziz I para niños