Sultan Abdul Hamid II: The Last Caliph Who Resisted Western Colonialism

 

Sultan Abdul Hamid II: The Last Caliph Who Resisted Western Colonialism

"Sultan Abdul Hamid II in royal Ottoman attire with throne and flags in 19th-century setting."


I’d like to share my reflections on Sultan Abdul Hamid II, a significant figure in modern Islamic history. He is widely seen as the last Sultan who genuinely sought to preserve the Ottoman Caliphate’s sovereignty and actively opposed Western colonial influence (Mango, Andrew. “Abdulhamid: The Last Sultan.”). Yet, his legacy raises complex questions: was he truly an anti-colonial leader, or simply a product of geopolitical constraints?

1. Political and Social Background

Abdul Hamid II ascended the throne in 1876 amid mounting pressure from modernist reform and European encroachment. He briefly adopted a constitution and then suspended it to safeguard both stability and caliphal authority (Zürcher, Erik Jan. “Turkey: A Modern History.”). His significance lies in his effort to uphold the Caliphate’s symbolic and political role against encroaching Western dominance.

2. Subtle Anti-Colonial Strategy

According to Istanbul University archives, Abdul Hamid II forged connections with African and Asian Sultanates threatened by colonial powers. He sent envoys, funded overseas education, and promoted moral leadership—asserting his duty as Caliph to protect global Muslims. I believe this diplomatic approach—moral rather than militaristic—was a clever form of resistance.

3. Western Media Depictions

British newspapers in 1908 labeled him a “misleading despot,” yet simultaneously conveyed admiration for his hold over vulnerable territories (The Times, 1908). This dual narrative suggests that although the West viewed him as an obstacle, they respected his influence. I believe Western disparagement was intended to delegitimize his authority.

4. Opposing Western-Controlled Banks

One controversial measure: rejecting European establishments of national banks—like the British and German institutions. This assertion of economic sovereignty threatened Western financial interests (Hora, “Economic History of the Ottoman Empire,” 2005). It exemplifies his commitment to national autonomy but also intensified Western efforts to weaken the Ottoman economy.

5. Domestic Rule and Repression

Abdul Hamid was known for suppressing dissent—shutting newspapers and quelling uprisings. Yet he also expanded modern education (including female schools) and built the Hijaz Railway connecting Jerusalem to Mecca (Çolak, “Railways of the Caliphate,” 2010). In my view, his authoritarianism aimed at stability to enable long-term development—not tyranny for its own sake.

6. Collapse of the Caliphate

Deposed in 1909, Abdul Hamid’s legacy as the last true Caliph emerged posthumously—his successors quickly sold assets and relinquished global influence (Shaw & Shaw, “History of the Ottoman Empire.”). This highlights how the Caliphate functioned not only as religious symbol but also as geopolitical and financial anchor.

7. A Legacy Overlooked

While not perfect, Abdul Hamid II demonstrated that the Caliphate could play a meaningful role in resisting colonial aggression. His emphasis on economic sovereignty, education, infrastructure, and moral diplomacy shows he was a modern leader engaged in global affairs (Sahin, “The Ottoman Response to European Economic Imperialism,” 2012).

In my opinion, if Muslim lands once needed a unifying leadership blending religion, politics, and economics, Abdul Hamid is among its finest.

8. My Neutral Reflection

I appreciate his defense of sovereignty and moral leadership, but his repression of press and opposition cannot be ignored. I see in him a model of Islamic statecraft—one that balances autonomy and development—but also a warning that centralized power needs accountability.

9. Lessons for Today

Today, we need that kind of bold leadership—emphasizing economic independence and ethical diplomacy—without repeating past mistakes. If we couple those principles with democratic reforms and civil safeguards, a Caliphate-inspired model might still hold relevance in our globalized age.

Lokasi: GWG9+5P Blodgett Mills, NY, Amerika Serikat

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