Summary
"The Travnik Chronicle" examines the Ottoman Empire's struggle with internal dissent and external pressure from European powers during the late 19th century, focusing on Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II's reign. The book details his attempts to centralize power, foster Panislamic sentiment, and secure foreign alliances, particularly with Germany, while simultaneously facing endemic misgovernment, territorial losses, and nationalist agitations. These efforts are depicted as a response to a perceived threat from Christendom and a desire to maintain imperial integrity against overwhelming odds.
The narrative highlights the sultan's reliance on espionage, his withdrawal into seclusion, and his tactical diplomacy in managing relations with Bulgaria, Germany, and other European states. The book illustrates how reforms, like the constitution, were introduced and then suspended, and how concessions, such as railway projects, were used to foster alliances. Ultimately, it shows the precariousness of the empire, sustained by a combination of shrewd manipulation and sheer force, yet plagued by deep-seated internal issues.
Key concepts
- Panislamic propaganda — Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II encouraged a movement appealing to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide to bolster his authority.
- Rule of the shorter term — A copyright principle that may place foreign works in the public domain in countries with longer copyright terms.
- Delation and espionage — A system of reporting on and spying on the populace used to maintain loyalty in the Ottoman Empire.
- Berlin Congress — A diplomatic conference that addressed territorial changes and political issues in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
- Treaty of San Stefano — A treaty, later amended, that imposed terms on the Ottoman Empire following the Russo-Turkish War.
- Foreign concessions — Privileges granted to foreign entities, such as railway rights, used by the sultan to manage international relations.
From the book
For other versions of this work, see Encyclopædia Britannica . ← 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica ( 1911 ) Title page → related portals : Reference Works Shortcut : EB11 or EB1911 Notes on reading the Wikisource edition . A special disclaimer for this project . Collaboration page for contributors . 12543 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica 1911 Table of contents This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1931. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works . Public domain Public domain false false← Alabama 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 "Alabama" Arbitration by Montague Hughes Crackanthorpe Alabama River → See also Alabama Claims on…
He is commonly known as Rab.← Abbadie, Jakob 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 'Abbahu Abba Mari → See also Abbahu on Wikipedia ; and our 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica disclaimer . 12925 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 — 'Abbahu ʼABBAHU, the name of a Palestinian ʼamora ( q.v. ) who flourished c . 279–320. ʼAbbahu encouraged the study of Greek by Jews. He was famous as a collector of traditional lore, and is very often cited in the Talmud.
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