Ottoman-Danish relations in the second half of the XVIIIth century (According to the Düvel-i Ecnebiye Books No. 11/1 and 12/2)

In this study, the Ottoman-Danish relations, which had just begun to take on an official dimension by the signing of the first treaty in 1756, are examined, starting from the signing of the initial treaty and continuing until the end of the 18th century. The primary source of this study, the Danish Ahidname Books No. 11 and 12, contains detailed information regarding the copies of the treaties signed between the two countries, the appointments of consuls and interpreters to various regions of the empire, the requests of ambassadors and their diplomatic missions, privileges, and guarantees granted to diplomats and traders, as well as various aspects of the commercial and political relations between the Ottoman Empire and Denmark. Accordingly, the translation of the provisions in the register, supported by information provided by other documents and reference sources in the archives, sheds light on the development and scope of the relations between the two countries in the 18th century. Unlike other states, official relations between the Ottoman Empire and Denmark, began quite late, in 1756. The intention of Denmark to be involved in Mediterranean trade played a significant role in initiating these relations. The opportunity to engage in trade in the ports of the Levant region and the establishment of a consular network within the empire, enabled by the authority granted by the treaty, became a decisive factor for Denmark to access Ottoman markets. After the signing of the treaty, Denmark quickly opened representations in various regions of the Ottoman Empire, allowing them to protect the interests of their merchants and ships. The Ottoman government attached great importance to the protection of the rights of Danish diplomats and traders within its borders and did not hesitate to confront any violations of the treaty provisions. It is evident from various provisions concerning the ambassadors, consuls, and interpreters appointed by Denmark to the Ottoman Empire that great emphasis was placed on developing diplomatic relations between the two countries in the 18th century. However, the same progress could not be achieved in terms of trade, and commercial activities between the two countries remained quite limited, particularly in the second half of the 18th century. The most significant factor behind the lack of development in commercial relations was Denmark's insufficient financial resources to sustain trade with the Ottoman Empire and the lack of interest among Danish merchant circles in the newly opened market. Similarly, although the Ottoman Empire had the same rights as Denmark according to the treaty, it did not find it necessary to maintain diplomatic representations due to the absence of any commercial activities in the Baltic region in the second half of the 18th century.