Which of the following statements concerning the improvement of women's status as a result of the Tanzimat reforms is most accurate?
a. The inclusion of reforms for women was not even considered in Ottoman society during the period of the Tanzimat reforms.
b. While not all women benefited, elite women were freed from the restrictive aspects of Muslim society during the period of the Tanzimat reforms.
c. Muslim restrictions against the social equality of women were swept away as part of the Tanzimat reforms.
d. Despite widespread discussion of the practices of seclusion, polygamy, and veiling, few improvements in women's social status were won in the 19th century.
e. Women in the Ottoman Empire became as free as those in western Europe and the United States.
Answer: D