Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1871.djvu/489

 and opinions of Mahomet, and the sentences and decisions of his immediate successors, are binding upon the sovereign as well as his subjects. Another code of laws, the 'Canon nameh,' formed by Sultan Solyman the Magnificent, from a collection of 'hatti-sheriffs,' or decrees, issued by him and his predecessors, is held in general obedience, but merely as an emanation of human authority. The Koran and the 'Multeka' alone, both believed to be of divine origin, embody the fundamental laws of the State, and prescribe the action of the theocratic government.

A charter of liberties, not yet fully executed, was granted by Sultan Abdul Medjid to his subjects in the 'Hatti-Humáyoun' of February 18, 1856. The principal provisions of this imperial order are as follows:—'Full liberty of worship is guaranteed to every religious profession. No one can be forced to change his religion. No legal documents shall acknowledge any inferiority of one class of Turkish subjects to another, in consequence of difference in religion, race, or language. All foreigners may possess landed property, while obeying the laws, and paying the taxes.'

The legislative and executive authority is exercised, under the supreme direction of the sultan, by two high dignitaries, the Grand Vizier, the head of the temporal Government, and the 'Sheïk-ul-Islam,' the head of the Church. Both are appointed by the sovereign, the latter with the concurrence of the 'Ulema,' a body comprising the clergy and chief functionaries of the law. The dignitaries are:—

1. The Grand Vizier.—Ali Pasha, appointed Grand Vizier, and Minister of Foreign affairs, February 14, 1869.

2. The 'Sheïk-ul-Islam.'—Hassan Effendi, formerly tutor of the Sultan, nominated April 30, 1868.

The Grand Vizier, as head of the Government and representative of the sovereign, is President of the 'Divan,' or Ministerial Council, divided into nine departments, namely:—

1. The Ministry of the Interior.—Ruchdi Pasha, appointed Feb. 5, 1869.

2. The Ministry of War.—Omar Pasha, formerly Governor-General of Crete, appointed Feb. 8, 1869.

3. The Ministry of Finance.—Mustapha Fazyl Pasha, appointed August 13, 1870.

4. The Ministry of Marine.—Mahmud Pasha, Grand Admiral, appointed March 1, 1868.

5. The Ministry of Commerce, Agriculture, and Public Works.—Daoud Pasha, appointed March 28, 1868.

6. The Ministry of Police.—Hussein Pasha, appointed March 1868.

7. The Ministry of Justice.—Sadyk Pasha, appointed August 13, 1870.