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The Young Turk Revolution

1908–1909Middle East and North AfricaPolitical

A revolt by officers and reformers that restored the Ottoman constitution and parliament.

Background

Sultan Abdul Hamid II had suspended the constitution of 1876 and ruled through censorship and a large intelligence network. Opposition grew in exile and among army officers in Macedonia, organised in the Committee of Union and Progress.

Course of events

In July 1908 officers in Macedonia threatened to march on Istanbul unless the constitution was restored. The sultan gave way, elections were held, and parliament reopened. A counter-coup in April 1909 failed, and Abdul Hamid was deposed.

Legacy

The committee soon came to dominate Ottoman politics. The empire then went through the Balkan Wars and the First World War, and the Young Turks' nationalism had lasting and tragic effects.

Further reading: The Young Turk Revolution on Wikipedia. This page is a short summary for general readers; dates and figures can vary between sources.