Ottoman-British relations: From the First Constitutional Period to the Second Constitutional Period (1876-1914)

This study examines Ottoman-British relations from the beginning to the rupture and the focus of this study is nearly a fifty-year period preceding the World War I. In this period when relations between states gained importance, Ottoman-British relations increased and began to transform. In this period England was undoubtedly the most influential foreign power over the Ottoman Empire. In this study, Ottoman-British relations were divided into four periods: 1. Beginning and Development, 2. Revision, 3. Transformation and 4. Rupture. In the first chapter, the first period is discussed in general terms. In the other three chapters, it was used largely primary sources and very much secondary sources. In this study, a comparative historical perspective was used as a method. Periods determined in Ottoman-British relations and in the second and the third period: events, questions, economic relations, the acts of monarch and statesmen and sources used, it was often examined in a comparative perspective, either in itself or mutually. During this comparison, the international conjuncture, the political, economic and military situation of the countries, the influence of interest groups and other internal and external factors were taken into consideration. Thus, it was tried to provide a meaningful integrity in editing. It was demonstrated that the role of national interests, changing balances of power and diplomacy was effective in the relations between states and in the future of states. This study has been prepared in a logical, consistent, holistic and chronological manner in accordance with scientific criteria and ethical rules. And the most important aim of this study is to make a small contribution to literature, Turkish historiography and determination of relations between nations. Keywords: Ottoman-British Relations, Ottoman State, England, Great Powers, First Constitutional Period, Second Constitutional Period.