REVIEW OF THE OTTOMAN LEGAL SYSTEM

As is well known, Islamic Law was enforced in the Ottoman Empire which had a theocratic structure. The Islamic Law and new Laws adopted from the West gained validity simultaneously after the proclamation of the Reform Edict. (Tanzimat Fermam). Consequently, the proclamation of the Reform or Tanzimat is a very important event in the Turkish history of law. New concepts and norms were introduced to the legal system which was valid during the classical era.