Subject
Great Britain -- Foreign relations -- Turkey Books
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John Covel
Early voyages and travels in the Levant : $b I.—The diary of Master Thomas Dallam, 1599-1600. II.—Extracts from the diaries of Dr. John Covel, 1670-1679. With some account of the Levant Company of Turkey merchants.
"Early Voyages and Travels in the Levant: The Diary of Master Thomas Dallam" edited by J. Theodore Bent is a historical account published in the late 19th century. This work primarily focuses on the early explorations and commercial endeavors of English merchants in the Levant region, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of Thomas Dallam, who traveled to present a grand organ from Queen Elizabeth to the Sultan of Turkey. The text not only provides a personal narrative of these voyages but also sheds light on the establishment and significance of the Levant Company in advancing British trade and diplomacy. The opening of the work introduces the context of Dallam's journey, beginning with a detailed account of the preparations for his voyage and the challenges faced during the treacherous sea passage to Constantinople. Dallam's diary describes various interactions aboard the ship, showcases the perils of maritime travel in the late 16th century, and sets the stage for his important mission to present the organ to Sultan Mahomed III. As Dallam navigates through turbulent waters, he emphasizes both the physical hardships of the journey and the stakes involved in fostering diplomatic relations between England and the Ottoman Empire. This opening segment effectively primes readers for the detailed personal account and insights into the commercial and cultural exchanges of the period.
G. F. (George Frederick) Abbott
Under the Turk in Constantinople: A record of Sir John Finch's Embassy, 1674-1681
"Under the Turk in Constantinople: A Record of Sir John Finch’s Embassy" by G. F. Abbott is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work chronicles the experiences of Sir John Finch, who served as the English Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1674 to 1681. It examines the complex nature of Anglo-Turkish relations during that time, providing insights into the political dynamics, cultural observations, and personal anecdotes of Finch and his contemporaries. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for Finch's reluctant acceptance of the ambassadorship to Constantinople and delves into his background, highlighting his family's political stature and his own struggle with the prospect of exile. Finch's character is depicted as somewhat unambitious and averse to the diplomatic life; however, his expertise and the political circumstances of the time compel him to undertake this significant role. The foreword further establishes the traveler and observer motif, as the broader context of Turkish administration and the challenges faced by foreign diplomats during a time of both cultural richness and political tension is introduced.
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