Sultan Mahmud II was the 30th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1808 to 1839. He is best known for his extensive reforms aimed at modernizing the empire, which included military, administrative, and educational changes. His efforts were part of a broader movement to strengthen the state and reduce the influence of powerful local leaders. One of his significant reforms was the abolition of the Janissary corps in 1826, which had become a powerful and often rebellious military group. Mahmud II also established new schools and a modern army, laying the groundwork for future reforms in the Ottoman Empire.