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Summary

This transcript explores the complex and often confrontational nature of Ottoman diplomacy, highlighting the power dynamics between the Ottoman Empire and European states. It discusses the unique and at times arrogant approach of the Ottomans toward foreign ambassadors, showcasing historical incidents where diplomats were mistreated, such as the Austrian Charge d'Affaires in 1665. The script touches upon significant diplomatic events like the Treaty of Zsitvatorok and the evolution of Western relations with the Ottomans. It also highlights the cultural exchanges, including the first Ottoman ambassador to France during the Tulip Era, and the influence of these interactions on Turkish culture and Westernization.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ottoman Empire often displayed arrogance in diplomatic relations, treating ambassadors with little regard for traditional courtesies.
• 😀 In the 17th century, European diplomatic rituals like letter credentials and flags originated in Italy but were challenged by the Ottomans, who were focused on their own power dynamics.
• 😀 The French and Ottoman Empire had a complicated relationship, with the Ottomans frequently asserting their dominance, even mistreating French ambassadors on occasion.
• 😀 Diplomatic courtesy was often disregarded by the Ottomans, such as when ambassadors were humiliated, a clear sign of their perception of diplomacy as an extension of war.
• 😀 During the Köprülü Mehmet Pasha period, there was tension between the Ottomans and France, exemplified by the imprisonment and mistreatment of French ambassadors after French encrypted correspondence was intercepted.
• 😀 The concept of diplomacy changed over time, with the French language emerging as the international language of diplomacy after the French Revolution in 1789.
• 😀 The Treaty of Zsitvatorok (1606) and Austria’s repeated failure to fulfill terms highlighted the Ottomans' assertive diplomacy, which allowed them to manipulate agreements to their benefit.
• 😀 In the 19th century, European diplomats like Von Arnim faced dire consequences for leaking secret correspondence, showing how serious diplomacy was considered in the context of state power.
• 😀 The 28 Mehmet Çelebi Sefaretname, written by an Ottoman ambassador to France, offered insights into European society, influencing Turkish culture by introducing European fashion, art, and practices.
• 😀 Ottoman ambassadors to Europe, like 28 Mehmet Çelebi, had mixed reactions to European culture, with some finding it strange and others, like Moralı Seyid Ali, adopting certain European customs like printing houses and paintings.
• 😀 The diplomatic history of the Ottoman Empire includes a shift from admiration for European civilization to a more condescending view, where Turks were increasingly depicted negatively in European discourse, culminating in terms like 'despot' and 'barbarian'.

Q & A

Why was being an ambassador a significant problem for the Ottoman Empire?

Being an ambassador was a significant problem for the Ottoman Empire due to their arrogant and dominant nature. Ambassadors were not treated with the same diplomatic respect as in other European nations, which created tension between the Ottoman Empire and its foreign relations, particularly with countries like Austria and France.

What happened to the Austrian Charge d'Affaires in 1665?

In 1665, the Austrian Charge d'Affaires, who was old and sick, could not bend down and was knocked down by the Ottoman doormen in the presence of Sultan Mehmet IV. This incident highlights the lack of respect and diplomacy that often existed in Ottoman relations with ambassadors.

How did the Ottoman Empire typically treat foreign ambassadors when they arrived?

Typically, when foreign ambassadors arrived, they were expected to enter with their flags raised and a band playing. However, the Ottomans often denied these privileges, sometimes refusing to allow ambassadors to raise their flags, demonstrating their lack of respect for traditional diplomatic customs.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Zsitvatorok in 1606?

The Treaty of Zsitvatorok, signed in 1606, had a significant impact on the relationship between the Ottomans and Austria. It included a clause that removed the title 'Kaiser' for the Austrian emperor in diplomatic correspondence, replacing it with 'Roman Caesar.' This was done to avoid offending Ottoman Christians, reflecting the Ottomans' desire to control the narrative in diplomatic relations.

How did the Ottoman Empire treat French ambassadors during the Köprülü Mehmet Pasha period?

During the Köprülü Mehmet Pasha period, France faced hostility from the Ottoman Empire. For example, when a French ambassador attempted to enter the empire with a sword, he was slapped and thrown on a ship, demonstrating the Ottomans' refusal to follow diplomatic norms and their assertive power.

Who was Von Arnim and what happened to him?

Von Arnim was an ambassador of Bismarck in 1872. He refused to take up a post in Istanbul, considering it a low-ranking position. As a result, he spent two years leaking secret correspondence, which led to his exile and imprisonment, demonstrating the consequences of defying Bismarck’s orders.

What influence did 28 Mehmet Çelebi's time in France have on Ottoman society?

28 Mehmet Çelebi’s time as the Ottoman ambassador to France during the Tulip Era had a significant influence on Ottoman society. He introduced Western customs, including furniture and fashion, and his visit led to the establishment of a printing house in collaboration with İbrahim Müteferrika, marking the beginning of Westernization in the Ottoman Empire.

How did the Ottoman Empire begin to westernize during the 18th century?

The Ottoman Empire began to westernize during the 18th century, especially after the visit of 28 Mehmet Çelebi to France. He introduced European furniture, fashion, and ideas, which eventually influenced Ottoman art, architecture, and even the development of printing houses in Istanbul.

Why did some ambassadors hate Europe during the Ottoman Empire's interactions with the West?

Some Ottoman ambassadors, such as Halet Efendi, hated Europe due to its dirt, mud, and the perceived arrogance of the French. They criticized European culture harshly and saw it as a foreign and corrupting influence, contrasting with their own values.

How did Europeans view the Ottoman Empire and its rulers in the 17th century?

In the 17th century, Europeans had a complex view of the Ottoman Empire. While some admired the military and administrative prowess of the Ottomans, others, especially after the Reformation, began to define the Turks negatively, seeing them as despots and barbarians. Over time, these views became more condescending, portraying the Ottomans as oppressive rulers of Christians.