Page:Ottoman constitution of 1876.pdf/2

368 the privileges granted to them ; he coins money ; his name is pronounced in the mosques during the public prayers; he concludes treaties with the powers; he declares war; he makes peace; he commands the armies by sea and land; he orders military movements; he causes to be executed the dispositions of the Sheri (sacred law) and the laws; he makes the regulations for public administration; he remits or commutes penalties imposed by the criminal tribunals; he convokes or prorogues the general assembly and he dissolves, if he deem necessary, the chamber of deputies on condition of proceeding to the reëlection of the deputies.

All the subjects of the Empire are without distinction called Ottomans no matter what religion they profess. The quality of Ottoman is acquired or lost according to the causes specified in the law.

All the Ottomans enjoy individual liberty on condition of not attacking the liberty of other people.

Individual liberty is absolutely inviolable. Nobody can under any pretence suffer any penalty whatever except in the cases determined by law and according to the forms prescribed by it.

Islamism is the religion of the State. While maintaining this principle the state protects the free exercise of all the religions recognized in the Empire and accords the religious privileges granted to the different communities on condition that no offence is committed against public order or good morals.

The Press is free ; within the limits traced by the law.

The Ottomans have the privilege of forming commercial, industrial or agricultural associations within the limits determined by the laws and regulations.