In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. This Kanûn is ordained to strengthen the pillars of the Sublime State, to ensure the welfare of all subjects under the shelter of the Sultan’s justice, and to organize the governance of the empire in accordance with the eternal principles of Sharia, reason, and modern advancement.
Madde 1: The Sultan is the Caliph of the Muslims, the Supreme Ruler of all lands under the Crescent, and source of all authority. Madde 2: His person is sacred and beyond reproach. Madde 3: The Sultan pledges to rule with justice, mercy, and wisdom, in accordance with Sharia and the interests of the Empire. Madde 4: Succession shall remain within the House of Osman, by the established traditions. Madde 5: All subjects of the Empire, Muslim and non-Muslim, are under the protection of the Sultan’s justice. Madde 6: Property is inviolable; no confiscation without due legal process. Madde 7: All subjects owe loyalty to the Sultan, pay taxes according to their means, and are eligible for state service. Madde 8: A Council of Viziers shall be convened to advise the Sultan in state matters. Madde 9: The Sublime Porte shall coordinate ministries of finance, justice, war, and foreign affairs under the Grand Vizier. Madde 10: Officials shall be appointed based on merit, piety, and loyalty to the Throne. Madde 11: The sources of law shall be the Holy Sharia, the Sultan’s firmans, and customary law. Madde 12: Special councils shall be formed to revise and codify laws for equitable justice. Madde 13: No man shall be punished without lawful trial and judgment. Madde 14: The Empire shall establish schools, promote sciences, and adopt practices beneficial to the realm. Madde 15: Provinces shall be governed with respect to local traditions, yet aligned with the principles of central reform.
