Prussian Delegate Karl Adolf Von Rexin’s Effects on Development of Ottoman-Prussian Relations

Abstract

Beginning the 18th century with a different foreign policy than the previous centuries, Ottoman Empire made an endeavour to establish more friendly and close relations with European states after The Treaty of Karlowitz. In this direction, an Ottoman committee was sent to Berlin for the first time in order to congratulate Friedrich I, who proclaimed himself the king in 1701, and thus Ottoman Empire- Prussia relation has begun. Following these incidents, two delegates ( Jorgowsky and Joanne de Jatter) were sent to Ottoman Porte in 1721 and 1739 and after that, particularly during the reign of new king Friedrich II. (1740 - 1786), Prussia’s interest in Ottoman Empire has increased and had attempts on making peace treaties with Russia and Austria. Friedrich II, who’s attempts during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I (1730 - 1754) proved inconclusive has sent an other delegate to Istanbul in 1754, after Sultan Mahmud I’s death. The Prussian delegate who stayed in Istanbul for about 6 years was Sliesian Gottifried Fabian Haude (Karl Adof Von Rexin). Main purpose of the delegate who visited Istanbul twice; first in January 18, 1755 and secondly in September 28, 1756, was to conclude two treaties, a treaty of trade and a treaty of peace. This study covers the sent Prussian delegate’s activities during his stay in the capital city between 1755 and 1761 and his effects on the realization of the trade treaty in 1761.

Keywords

Ottoman Empire, Prussia, Karl Adolf Von Rexin, Diplomacy, III. Mustafa.

Citation

Kurtaran, Uğur, “Prussian Delegate Karl Adolf Von Rexin’s Effects on Development of Ottoman-Prussian Relations”, International Relations, Volume 12, Issue 47, pp. 115-131.

Affiliations

• Uğur KURTARAN, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Department of History