Abstract:

One of the institutions that have beestablished for the Ottoman local administration, are the town councils which arose as a result of reforms realized during the Reformation period (Tanzimat Era). At these councils which are started to function in all cities and small towns located within all provinces wherein the reforms had been put into implementation, excluding the permanent members which had been assigned by the Centrcil government those persons who were appointed by the general election of people living in that district, served as a member. The local members, who were able to become a member of town council, have been generally selected among the influenced persons named as the local notables (eşraf). Such persons, thanks to the post of being a member of town council, have further solidified their influences and interesis which had been acquired by then for many years as a result of the special characteristics and phases of Ottoman community because, owing to their official statues gained from the membership of town council, they have been able to have joint financial and economic authorities as same as the ones possessed by the state in the local administration. By misusing such authorities for their benefits coursing harms over the local administration and people, they during the whole 19'h century, have played a role ofinstability over the provincial administration. Such facts which are documented through this article have been depicting an example which was found in Bursa in regard with this situation. Accordingly, Tahir Ağa, a notable of town and in the position of a chief actor, has joined as a member to the first local council which had been founded in Bursa and thanks to this post of membership maintained by him for many years, he increased his wealth and influence and evermore involved in some corruptions. However, a further interesting fact serves to indicate that, in spite of such corruptions and being a local notable, he was able to obtain the titles of a governmental officer and finally promoted to the rank of a Pasha and appointed as the governor of Hüdavendigar Province.

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