Anglo-Ottoman relatıons in the nıneteenth century: Mustafa Reşid Paşa’s Memorandum to Palmerston, 11 August 1839

Abstract

The Tanzimat signifies the beginning of a new era in Turkish history.  Its aim was to give a new shape to the Ottoman Empire which was on the brink of collapse.  The architect of this programme of reforms was Mustafa Reshid Pasha, who was instrumental in the preparation of the Tanzimat Decree (3 November 1839) and a change in Ottoman political, social, and cultural life.  It was obvious to the Porte that reform was the only means of making the Ottoman Empire strong and prosperous again.  With this in mind, Reshid Pasha tried to forge good friendly relations with Britain.  During his stay in London as Ottoman Ambassador (November 1838 to August 1839) and in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, he directed all his efforts to persuade the British government that the Ottoman Empire needed the support of Europe, and particularly Britain, for the reforms which would modernise and strengthen the Empire.  In return, Europe would be assured of peace and Britain would gain in increased trading possibilities.  On 11 August 1839 he presented to Palmerston a very important and confidential memorandum which discussed the state of the Ottoman Empire and his ideas for its reform, and asked Palmerston for his support.