The End of Ottoman Independence on August 11, 1840

After August 11, 1840, Turkey did not come into a position of independent power; rather, it began to exist only by the sufferance and protection of the great Christian powers of EuropeSSP 176.2+1. On that specific date, the Ottoman Empire's independent supremacy ended as it placed its destiny in the hands of England, Russia, Austria, and PrussiaARSH September 25, 1900, page 616.7+2.

The Loss of Independence

• The Ultimatum: On August 11, 1840, an ultimatum was officially put into the power of Mehemet Ali, the Pasha of Egypt, who had been threatening to overthrow the SultanSSP 176.2+1.

• Transfer of Control: On that same day, the Sultan inquired what should be done if the Pasha refused the terms, and the ambassadors of the four powers replied that provision had already been made, effectively taking responsibility for the empire's fate out of the Sultan's handsSYNPT 217.1+2.

• The "Sick Man": From this point forward, Turkey became known as the "Sick Man of the East," a power that had "signed away" its independence and remained standing only because the European powers could not yet agree on how to divide its territorySSP 176.2+2.

Prophetic Fulfillment

This event was a remarkable fulfillment of the prophecy in Revelation 9:15 which allotted a period of an hour, a day, a month, and a year—totaling 391 years and 15 days—for Ottoman independenceSSP 176.2+2. This period began on July 27, 1449, when the Greek emperor sought permission from the Turkish Sultan to reign, and it ended precisely on August 11, 1840, when the Sultan made a similar surrender of his own power to Christian nationsLDT 149.2+2.

The Future of the Ottoman Power

• The End of the Empire: Prophecy indicates that the Turkish power will eventually be expelled from Constantinople and will plant "the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain," which is JerusalemSSP 176.2+2.

• Final Destruction: When he reaches this end, "none shall help him," marking a time of trouble such as never was and signaling the standing up of Michael, the great prince Daniel 11:45+1.

• Divine Kingdom: The collapse of these earthly kingdoms makes way for the kingdom of God, which shall break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms and stand forever Daniel 2:44+1.

The drying up of this power is necessary to prepare the way for the "kings of the East," and it will ultimately occur by the consent of the same powers that have sustained its existence since 1840 Revelation 16:12MEDM August 14, 1906, page 59.4. This serves as a solemn reminder to be ready for the close of earthly history and the coming of the Son of man Luke 21:27+1.