The Tanzimat, meaning reorganization of the Ottoman Empire, which begins in 1839 and ends with the First Constitutional Era in 1876, is characterized by various attempts to modernize the Ottoman Empire in order to secure its territorial integrity against nationalist movements and aggressive powers.

The reforms encourage Ottomanism among the diverse ethnic groups of the Empire, attempting to stem the tide of nationalist movements within the Ottoman Empire.

The reforms attemptto integrate non−Muslims and non−Turks more thoroughly into Ottoman society by enhancing their civil liberties and granting them equality throughout the Empire.