Murad V

Reign: 1876 – 1876
Life: 1840–1904

The son of Abdulmejid I, he supported the conversion of the government to a constitutional monarchy. His uncle Abdulaziz had succeeded Abdulmejid to the throne and had attempted to name his own son as heir to the throne, which spurred Murad to participate in Abdulaziz overthrow. But his own frail physical and mental health made his reign unstable, and Murad V was deposed in favor of his half-brother Abdul Hamid II after only 93 days.

During Murad V's reign, William III of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Wilhelm I ruled Prussia, and Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled Austria.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Osman's Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire 1300–1923 by Caroline Finkel

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

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