An Ottoman city on the Ionian Sea: Corfu

During the reign of Selim III, the Ottoman Empire transitioned from a one-sided diplomacy approach, known as ad hoc diplomacy, to a continuous diplomacy approach. Adopting continuous diplomacy led to the renewal of existing institutions and the establishment of many new ones. As part of this continuous diplomacy approach, from 1802 onwards, consuls called "şehbender" were sent to coastal areas primarily to resolve commercial and administrative issues. Corfu Island, the subject of this study, was one of the first places where the Ottoman Empire sent a consulate. consulate represented the Ottoman Empire in the places they were assigned to, indicating that they were endowed with high authority and trusted. Therefore, the duties of the consulate included commercial, administrative, intelligence, economic, judicial, religious, and political responsibilities. Due to its strategic location and to protect the rights and meet the needs of the Ottoman subjects living there, the Ottoman Empire established a consulate in Corfu. This consulate existed from 1804 to 1912. This study covers the establishment of the Corfu Consulate, its appointed officials, the duties of the consulate, the assistance provided to the subjects, the ranks and decorations awarded to the consulate, and the ceremonies conducted.