The Ottoman Reforms, also known as the Tanzimat, were a series of governmental changes in the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century, primarily from 1839 to 1876. These reforms aimed to modernize the empire's administration, military, and legal systems to strengthen its power and address internal and external challenges. Key figures in these reforms included Sultan Mahmud II and Mustafa Reşit Pasha. The reforms introduced new laws, established a more centralized bureaucracy, and promoted equality among citizens, regardless of religion. They also focused on education, leading to the creation of new schools and universities. Despite their intentions, the reforms faced resistance and were met with mixed results, ultimately contributing to the empire's decline.