Deposition and death of Abdülaziz; brief reign and deposition of Murad V

Background. Abdülaziz ruled from 1861 until 1876, facing financial difficulties including a sovereign default in 1875. Murad V, son of Abdulmejid I, supported constitutional monarchy but suffered from frail health. He communicated with Young Ottomans and cooperated with the deposition of Abdülaziz. Abdul Hamid II, Murad's half-brother, was perceived as physically and mentally healthy, supporting parliamentary government plans.

Deposition of Abdülaziz. On the night of 29–30 May 1876, a committee led by Midhat Pasha and Minister of War Hüseyin Avni Pasha deposed Abdülaziz. The grounds were mismanagement of the economy. Abdülaziz was found dead from suicide six days later. The event occurred at Çırağan Palace, where Abdülaziz had been confined after his dethronement.

Murad V and Deposition. Murad V reigned from 30 May to 31 August 1876. His frail physical and mental health made his reign unstable. On 31 August, Midhat Pasha and the government deposed Murad on grounds of mental illness, securing a sanction from the Şeyhülislam. Abdul Hamid II ascended the throne, promising to proclaim a constitution.

Confinement at Çırağan Palace. Murad V moved into Çırağan Palace after his accession. Following his deposition, he was confined to the palace grounds on Abdul Hamid's orders, unable to leave. He lived under house arrest until his death in 1904. The palace was built by Abdülaziz between 1863 and 1867.