born Dec. 24, 1761, Constantinople, Ottoman Empire
died July 29, 1808, Constantinople
Ottoman sultan (r. 17891807).
He inherited the throne during a losing war with Austria and Russia (178792), with whom he later signed treaties. Napoleon I 's invasion of Egypt in 1798 drove him into an alliance with Britain and Russia, but, impressed with Napoleon's successes, he switched sides in 1806. At home he attempted tax and land reform and established a European-style military corps, but, unable to enforce his reforms in the face of mutinies among the Janissaries and other units, he rescinded them. He was promptly overthrown and was strangled on the orders of his successor, Mustafa IV.
Selim III, detail of a portrait by H. Berteaux, early 19th century; in the Topkap 0131; Palace ...
Sonia Halliday