Financial Aspects of the Selim III Era Reforms: “Irad-i Cedit”

Abstract

In this article, the establishment of the İrâd-ı Cedid treasury, which was established in order to meet the financing of the reforms of the Selim III period, as well as to eliminate the systems that put the state in a difficult situation such as malikâne and esham, and the duties it assumed until its abolition were discussed. While the wars with Austria and Russia were continuing in 1787, Selim III, who ascended the throne, corresponded with the King of France, Louis XVI, while he was still a prince, and saw European-style reforms as vital in order to get the state out of the situation it was in. İn this direction, taking action by taking advantage of the statements prepared by the statesmen and the Vienna Embassy of Ebubekir Râtıb Efendi, the Selim III started the reforms called Nizam-ı Cedid. The financial aspect of the reforms made in this period was the Irâd-ı Cedid treasury. Being aware of the difficulties of meeting the expenses of the reforms to be made, especially in the military field, with the existing treasury and income sources, Selim III created a new treasury in order to financially support the reforms. Many new sources of income were identified for this new treasure, called İrâd-ı Cedid, and work was started. This treasury, which has expenses as much as its income, successfully fulfilled almost every task that fell on it until it was abolished in 1807. He also contributed to the Central Treasury and the Shipyard Treasury.