Şeriye courts in Ottoman Empire and the change Muslim judges (kadi) underwent in Tanzimat Period were surveyed in this study. To identify this change, the period before Tanzimat had been examined at first, and then the period after Tanzimat was addressed. Şeriye courts and kadis were surveyed respectively for both periods.

Indicating that şeriye courts had worked as fundamental courts of Ottoman Empire for a long time in the period prior to Tanzimat, their task scopes were touched upon. It was stated that these courts did not have a specific official building and they generally worked as single-judged. Their task scopes were again touched upon, stating that kadis were the incumbents to decree in şeriye courts. Kadis’ long education processes, payment conditions, and methods of being inspected were the issues explained in this part.

As in all fields in Ottoman Empire, some deteriorations occurred even in juridical field over time. Muslim Judges became involved in various corruptions such as acceptation of a bribe, unjust collection of money from people by patrolling, and favoritism. In study, a variety of records in regard to corruptions in question were included and that this retrogression brought up the need for a reformation in juridical field was stated.

Although reforms made in Tanzimat Period were given a start with the necessity of having some changes in şeriye courts, it was thought that changes that would be made in these courts predominant in terms of religious qualification would get reaction from ulema. Therefore, by opening Nizamiye courts besides şeriye courts, the authorities of şeriye courts were gradually handed over to these courts. That şeriye courts were provided with official buildings; a multiple-judged system was adopted; and inspectors were appointed to overlook kadis were some changes seen.

In study, it was stated that judiciary underlay Ottoman Empire; reform movements here were of great importance; but when improvements having experienced were considered, regulations diverted differently from starting point. Foundation of new courts instead of reforming şeriye courts caused a juridical duality to arise and this condition had continued until şeriye courts were completely abolished. Also, this duality led some deteriorations. For example, it resulted in the fact that capital punishments could not be carried out. Consequently it was stated that reforms made in juridical field in Tanzimat Period with reference to these failures could not provide the expected benefit.

Key words: Religious courts, Muslim judges (Kadi), Tanzimat Period