What is it about?
Dr. Şiviloğlu is a historian who studies the late Ottoman Empire, with a focus on on its social changes and dynamics. In his article "Murder in the Harem: The Life, Trial, and Death of Emine Hanım," he tells the captivating story of a murder case from 1860. The article centers on Emine Hanım, a woman accused of killing her husband, Ferik İbrahim Pasha. Through her trial, Dr. Şiviloğlu explores how gender roles and the legal system were changing during that time. He underlines how the new reformist ideas of the era often conflicted with traditional practices and the complex realities people faced. Using a variety of sources like original archival documents and newspaper reports, he provides a detailed and engaging narrative of the events. The story offers a revealing glimpse into a society undergoing significant transformation during the Tanzimat period, a time of major reforms in the Ottoman Empire. It's more than just a murder case; it's an accessible account that helps readers understand the evolving social and legal landscape of the time.
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Why is it important?
Our study explores the 1860 murder trial of Emine Hanım, who was accused of killing her husband, Ferik İbrahim Pasha, during a significant period of change in the Ottoman Empire. By examining this case, we shed light on the complexities of legal reforms during the Tanzimat era—a time when the empire was undergoing major social and legal transformations. Through Emine's story, we emphasise how the lofty goals of legal reform often clashed with the lived realities of individuals. The trial reveals the unpredictability of legal practices at the time and how personal biases and traditional norms could influence judicial decisions, despite efforts to modernize the legal system. By studying original archival documents and period newspapers, we provide a detailed narrative that brings a human perspective to the study of legal history. Our findings show how the ideals of reform interacted with the actual experiences of people entangled in the legal system, offering insights into the challenges of implementing new laws in a society in transition. This work enhances our understanding of the Ottoman legal system and society during a transformative period. By focusing on an individual's experience amid widespread reforms, we offer a nuanced view of how societal changes impact people's lives. Our analysis contributes to broader discussions on gender roles, legal history, and social change.
Perspectives
Writing this article was a meaningful journey for me. I set out to tell the story of Emine Hanım, a woman who faced the Ottoman legal system during a time of great change. Her trial reveals the challenges that individuals encountered as new laws emerged. By sharing her story, I aim to show how legal reforms affected real lives. Personal narratives like hers can deepen our understanding of history. I hope readers find her story engaging and that it offers a fresh perspective on the human side of legal and social transformation in the Ottoman Empire.
Murat Siviloglu
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The First Public Murder in the Tanzimat Era: Life, Trial and Execution of Emine Hanım, Islamic Law and Society, October 2023, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/15685195-bja10046.
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