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Since the very first days of the Ottoman State, the world has known that we were a nation guided forward by the the lofty principles of the Quran and the rules of the Sheriat. By following these perfectly, our mighty Sultanate reached the highest degree of strength and power, and all its subjects enjoyed in life the highest degree of ease and prosperity. This, however, is no longer the case; because of a succession of difficulties and diverse causes, the sacred Sheriat has not been obeyed nor has the beneficent regulations been followed, and thus our former strength and prosperity have changed into weakness and poverty. 

It cannot be underestimated that the task that lies before us is vast and difficult. Long has the empire fell behind the rest of the world, but it is my greatest belief that by once again fully embracing once again the illustrious principles of the Quran and by closely following the rules of the Sheriat as they were meant to be followed, we can once more stand proud amongst all the other nations. It is by fully re-embracing the true Islamic principles that once so closely guided the empire that we may fix this mistakes made by our forefathers. 

It has long since been apparent that the key to strength in this modern world is industrialisation, and as we now have entered a new century it is imperative that we look not only to today, but to tomorrow as well, and as such we must set out on the long road of putting the modernisation of the Ottoman State as a priority, so that we may bring about a new era of prosperity.

In the matter of the issues brought up by the Principality of Bulgaria, while it is not possible to make any promises regarding the issue of land transfer, we would be willing to discuss any problems further. Constantinople shall be open to receive an emissary for formal discussions from the loyal Principality.

-His Imperial Majesty, The Sultan Abdülhamid II, Emperor of the Ottomans, Caliph of the Faithful.

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