When he returned to Acre, the Sultan resumed his reform efforts, but the Janissaries' opposition intensified. When the Mufti, who had supported the Sultan, died, and was succeeded by a Mufti who opposed the new order, the Janissaries revolted against the Sultan. The Mufti issued a fatwa for his deposition, stating that "the innovator who introduces foreign customs and traditions and compels the subjects to follow them is not fit to rule." The reactionaries won this round, and Mustafa IV, who was a tool in their hands, ascended the throne. The Janissaries' power grew, their rule continued, and the enemies of the new order gained prominence. However, the battle was not over between them and the supporters of the new order, who gathered their forces and revolted against Sultan Mustafa IV. They succeeded in overthrowing him after thirteen months on the throne. He was succeeded by Sultan Mahmud II, whose reign lasted for thirty years. This period was fraught with hardship and difficulties and was one of the most dangerous years the state had experienced. He strove and did all he could to save the state and succeeded in prolonging its life, thus deserving to be described as a great man.

His first action was to appoint Mustafa Bayrakdar to the position of Grand Vizier. He was a proponent of reform. The two collaborated to solve the Janissary problem. The Vizier summoned the statesmen, senior commanders, and scholars, explained the state of the country and its decline, and then called on them to join him on the path of reform. He then issued orders to regulate the Janissaries, but they refused to comply and revolted, setting fire to the Vizier's palace, which burned down. Their revolt almost cost the Sultan his life, but some of his commanders intervened and quelled the rebellion. The Janissary problem remained unresolved and intractable for another eighteen years, during which the Sultan dealt with many issues. It was finally resolved after they revolted. The scholars issued a fatwa for their complete eradication and annihilation in the year 1230 AH, as stated in the fatwa on page 211. See Jamil Farid, "The Military Movement."