W.E.Gladstone and British Policy Towards the Ottoman Empire
Yildizeli, Fahriye Begum
Date: 15 November 2016
Thesis or dissertation
Publisher
University of Exeter
Degree Title
PhD in History
Abstract
Beyond being an international question of the status of the Ottoman Empire, it was The
Eastern Question that determined the course of diplomacy towards the Ottoman Empire
throughout the nineteenth century. Lord Palmerston’s policy of preserving Ottoman territorial
integrity (with domestic reforms), and guarding Ottoman independence ...
Beyond being an international question of the status of the Ottoman Empire, it was The
Eastern Question that determined the course of diplomacy towards the Ottoman Empire
throughout the nineteenth century. Lord Palmerston’s policy of preserving Ottoman territorial
integrity (with domestic reforms), and guarding Ottoman independence against the Russian
threat provided a close relationship with the Ottoman Empire based on mutual trust and
friendship. Gladstone’s keen interest in the condition of Christian subjects of the Porte
permeated every aspect of his long life. In arguing for Gladstone’s consistent attitude towards
the Ottoman Empire on behalf of Christian subjects of the Porte since his early life, this thesis
emphasizes the need to re-examine the degree of Gladstone’s passionate involvement in
Eastern affairs which contributed significantly to the dynamics of British foreign policy. It
argues that the political, humanitarian and ideological role that Gladstone played was far
greater throughout his life than has previously been acknowledged.
Given the inflammatory rhetoric that he employed in ‘Bulgarian Horrors’ pamphlet, the
reasons for Gladstone’s indignation over Turkish administration as well as his attitude
towards Islam demands attention. However, there is a clear distinction between Ottoman
centric and Europe-centric historiography as to Gladstone’s engagement with Ottoman
affairs. Yet, very few studies have analysed Gladstone’s central role in shaping of British
policymaking towards the Porte. By placing Gladstone’s attitudes towards the Ottoman
Empire at the core of the research, this study seeks to reassess the impact of Gladstone’s
background and the key events for his concern with the civil rights and religious liberty of the
Christian minorities of the Porte. It further explores whether Gladstone altered the historic
British policy of maintaining Ottoman territorial integrity. An analysis is made, therefore, of Gladstone’s humanitarian perspectives and the ‘Concert of Europe’ approach by examining
what he said and did in respect to Anglo-Ottoman relations throughout his long life.
Doctoral Theses
Doctoral College
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