The First Wedding Ceremony of Tanzimat Era in Ottoman Palace: The Marriage of Atiyye Sultan, The Doughter of Mahmut II, With Ahmed Fethi Pasha

Abstract

The marriage of Atiyye Sultan, the daughter of Mahmut II, was the first, after Sultan Abdülmecid's succession to the throne and the declaration of the Rescript of Gülhane. 'That Padishah used to choose whom sultans would marry wasusually practiced under political regulations in Ottoman tradition. Atiyye Sultan got married with Ahmed Fethi Pasha, a prominent figure in Tanzimat era, in compliance with this tradition, too. This study focus on mensûr sûrnâme which is the only text giving detailed description of Atiyye Sultan's wedding ceremony. Mensûr sûrnâme, Takvim-i Vekayi, and Cerîde-i Havâdis provide information about not only the wedding, but also the official protocol and feasts in Ottoman tradition.