The Ottoman Tanzimat ReformsNameEstablishmentIntroductionTanzimat was the transformative period in which reforms were instituted to modernize the Ottoman Empire in the mid-seventeenth century. Under the rule of Sultan Abd AL-Majid, the empire was threatened by the progress made by Western powers in gaining control of the regions that were once under the empire. Furthermore, the empire was losing popularity as numerous regions were struggling to break away from the empire. Therefore, the empire realized the need for reforms that would encompass all citizens divided along tribal and religious lines. Reasons for Tanzimat IntroductionThe reforms came at a time when the Ottoman Empire was facing a crisis due to this, followed by the abolition of slavery and all trade associated with the transfer of slaves in the following year. In 1848 the first modern university was founded, followed in the same year by academies and teachers' schools. In 1856 concern was raised about the need to offer freedom of worship; therefore legal equality was introduced for citizens of all religions. In 1857 the private sector was allowed to publish and print documents in the empire; therefore, encouraging research and education in general. The same reform was extended in 1859 to offer privileges to public employees to acquire more privileges related to administration. Thus, the same Western nations that should have been weakened by the changes were made even stronger. This was evident when Western powers demanded much greater sovereignty for ethnic communities under the empire. The fact that the empire negotiated on the issue and compromised its position due to Western pressure shows that the Western powers have become even more influential. The result of the Western move served to strengthen the Christian middle class, where their political and economic power was located