The Young Ottomans and Young Turks

Origins and Identification

• Young Ottomans
  • A group of intellectuals publishing newspapers and ideas.
• Young Turks
  • Evolved from Young Ottomans, identified mainly for their criticism of Sultan Abdul Hamid.
  • Named "Young Turks" by Westerners who generalized those in the Ottoman Empire as Turks.
  • Included members who were not ethnically Turkish or Muslims.

Significance

• Young Turks are a continuation of the Young Ottomans in the 1890s.
• Shift from intellectual to political movement:
  • Young Ottomans focused on publishing.
  • Young Turks formed a political committee, which later became the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP).

Impact and Legacy

• The CUP was instrumental in the formation of the Turkish Republic.
• Notable leaders emerged from CUP, including Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a founder of the Turkish Republic.