Sultan Abdülaziz's Grand European Tour: Paris, London, and Beyond

O

ttoman sultans did not travel to any city, except for Bursa, İstanbul, Manisa, Amasya, and Edirne. Despite being caliphs, they did not even perform the pilgrimage. This remained the case until the 19th century when Sultan Abdülaziz made an exceptional journey in 1867. His travel to Europe, especially France, England, and Austria, was the first and only event in Ottoman history. This journey, which lasted for 47 days, significantly affected Ottoman society. The Sultan's return was great, with celebrations lasting three days and three nights across the Ottoman lands. The apparent reason for Abdülaziz's trip was his desire to attend the International Paris Exhibition, to which he had been invited by French Emperor Napoleon III. However, the trip also extended to Britain.

The portrait of Sultan Abdülaziz, who was deposed on the night of May 30, 1876, and murdered by having his veins cut, at the Malta Pavilion.

Sultan Abdülaziz was the 32nd Ottoman sultan and the 97th caliph of Islam. He was born in 1830 as the second son of Sultan Mahmud II. His mother was Pertevniyal Sultan. At the age of 32, he ascended to the throne in 1861 following the death of Sultan Abdülmecid I.

One of the most important matters he focused on was the reorganization and modernization of the army and navy. A significant portion of the loans obtained from Europe was spent on these efforts. The Ottoman Navy became one of the most strong in the world. He prepared a military force of over 700,000 soldiers, categorized as regulars, reserves, militia, and home guards. To meet their artillery and rifle needs, he also established modern facilities.

Sultan Abdülaziz, who was intelligent, perceptive, and well-versed in global politics, visited Egypt in the second year of his reign (1863). This trip, accompanied by a large entourage, was highly ceremonial. Sultan Abdülaziz toured Cairo on horseback. This journey strengthened the Egyptian people's loyalty to the caliphate.

In 1867, Sultan Abdülaziz accepted an invitation from Emperor Napoleon III to visit France in order to see the grand exhibition held in Paris. From there, he returned home via England, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. During these travels, he met with several prominent leaders, including Napoleon III of France, Queen Victoria of England, King Leopold II of Belgium, King Wilhelm I of Prussia, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Hungary, and Prince Carol I of Romania. He visited eight countries and met with five rulers.

Abdulaziz Imperial Yacht “La Reine Hortense” in Le Havre Harbor 1856.

On July 10, Abdülaziz departed from Paris, accompanied by Napoleon III, and headed to England as the second stop of his journey. After boarding ships again in Boulogne, he landed at Dover Port in England, where he was greeted by Prince Edward. After travelling by train to London, he met with Queen Victoria and settled into Buckingham Palace, which had been allocated for his stay. During his 11-day visit to London, Abdülaziz attended several official receptions and meetings, including a session in the House of Commons. Together with the Queen, he observed a naval drill of the British fleet, toured the shipyards of Portsmouth, and other dockyards, and accepted the honorary citizenship of London at City Hall.

According to one story, at a ball held at Buckingham Palace by Queen Victoria, Prince Murat danced with the Queen's granddaughter for a while. This prompted Sultan Abdülaziz to call Mehmet Emin Ali Pasha over and tell him, "Go tell him to leave the girl alone. What are we here for, to look like cuckolded p*mp?"

Reception by the Corporation of the City of London for His Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdülaziz Khan at the Guildhall.

 

On Tuesday, July 18, 1867.