Archaeological studies in the context of Ottoman-German political relations

The Ottoman Empire faced internal and external challenges, particularly from the second half of the 17th century onwards, leading to territorial losses and economic hardships, which compelled the state to pursue a balanced foreign policy. Concurrently, significant advancements continued in the fields of science, art, and literature in Europe, influenced by the Renaissance. Enthusiasts influenced by Renaissance ideas began showing intense interest in antiquities, particularly those from the Ancient Age. Alongside the Renaissance in Europe, the processes of Reformation, Enlightenment, and subsequent revolutions fostered the development of archaeology and museology. Europeans, increasingly drawn to ancient artifacts, displayed a keen interest in Ottoman territories to see works beyond their own countries. However, this interest eventually became a tool for colonial ambitions beyond mere scientific curiosity. Despite political and legal efforts by the Ottoman Empire in the early 19th century to preserve ancient artifacts, economic and political challenges hindered the allocation of sufficient resources and energy to archaeology. Consequently, archaeology became a tool for political manipulation. Thus, the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire became a subject of competition and struggle among the great powers of the time. Particularly, the rise of Germany and its relations with the Ottoman Empire signaled a new phase of international political, economic, and cultural competition. Ottoman-German relations, shaped by significant international treaties like the Berlin Treaty, influenced the direction of archaeological efforts. Germany's archaeological discoveries and methods for exhibiting ancient artifacts in its own museums were a complex reflection of the era's international political relations and cultural interactions. Keywords: Ancient Artifacts, Archaeology, German Archaeologists, Ottoman-German Relations, The Museums