Abdul Hamid II was the 34th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1876 to 1909. He is known for his efforts to modernize the empire, including reforms in education, infrastructure, and the military. His rule was marked by a mix of authoritarianism and attempts at constitutional governance. Despite his modernization efforts, Abdul Hamid II faced significant challenges, including internal dissent and external pressures from European powers. His reign ended when he was deposed in a coup, leading to the establishment of a more liberal government. He remains a controversial figure in Ottoman history.