Sultan Selim III (r. 1789–1808) attempted to transform the outdated administrative, political, and social structures of the Ottoman Empire, and reverse a protracted period of economic decline, military defeat, and territorial loss. During his reign he enacted sweeping reforms of military training, technology, and organization. The system of taxation was reformed, and efforts were made to regularize and improve communication with European powers by establishing embassies abroad. He sought out alliances with, at various times, Russia, Britain, and France, drawing his empire closer to Europe.

However, in contrast to the achievements of Peter and his successors, Selim’s reforms ultimately failed, as conservative elements within the military and the administration forced him to pull back from his reforms. Eventually, his adversaries got the upper hand, having him imprisoned and, in 1808, strangled.