Ottoman Diplomats

Synopsis

During an official audience with the Belgian King Leopold II, Etienne Carathéodory Effendi presented the letters from Sultan Murad V to Leopold II. Accompanied by his officers and dignitaries, the King received Carathéodory at his palace in Brussels. The King wore his uniform of a general, with only his Medjidie and Osmanieh decorations. In attachment is the speech Carathéodory pronounced on this occasion. To this speech the King responded by apologizing for the delay of the audience, and by conveying his best wishes for the prosperity and good health of the Sultan. Leopold II also conveyed his sincere and deep sympathy for the Ottoman Empire, and expressed his wish for the troubles to disappear. He stressed the bond of friendship between the two countries, and made clear that he wanted to tighten this bond by assuring Carathéodory of his support as well as of that of his government. He thanked Carathéodory, as well as the Sultan for allowing Carathéodory to keep his position, and expressed his hope to keep him in Brussels for a long time. Carathéodory expressed the joy of the Sultan, who would recognize the King’s words as a proof of friendship and sympathy for the Sultan as well as for his government. Immediately after the official audience, the Queen and her maids of honour received Carathéodory. The Queen also conveyed her wishes for good luck and prosperity of the Sultan. She also had good words to say about Carathéodory and his wife. For the occasion, the Queen wore a jewellery she once received from Sultan Abdul-Mesdjid when she was the Duchess of Brabant. Carathéodory describes the great splendour of the official audience. (For example, aide-de-camp Renard came round for him at the legation, escorted him with big cars to the palace and brought him to his hotel afterwards. When Carathéodory entered and left the palace, soldiers awaited him with military honour. He was escorted into the audience room by six dignitaries, etc.) At the absence of Count d’Aspremont-Lynden, Auguste Beernaert, Minister of Public Works, attended the audience. Carathéodory notes that also his entourage was received very gracefully.

Attachments

Speech draft (date unknown, Brussels, Carathéodory Effendi to King Leopold II of Belgium, Speech of Carathéodory, accompanying the letters of Sultan Murad V to Leopold II at an official audience in the King's palace in Brussels, where Carathéodory expressed his wish to keep his position.)

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