Anglo-Ottoman Relations in the Gulf during the Reign of Abdulhamid II (1876-1909)

Year 2023, Volume: 28 Issue: 2, 222 - 240, 26.12.2023

Bilal Emre Biral

Abstract

This article sheds light on the relations between the Ottoman Empire and Britain with regard to the Gulf during the reign of Abdulhamid II (i.e. from 1876 to 1909). Anglo-Ottoman relations in the Gulf developed within the framework of the general deterioration of Anglo-Ottoman relations after the mid-1870s. Britain attached great importance to the Gulf due to the region’s position on the route to India and did not want the presence of any third power there. Britain tried to achieve this goal through its special relations – particularly by signing protection agreements – with the local sheikhs. On the other hand, as indicated in the Ottoman state documents, the Ottomans regarded Britain not only as a third party, but also as a
threat to their empire’s presence in the region. Even though a number of factors limited the Ottomans’ capacity to challenge Britain, Abdulhamid II followed a realist policy that avoided steps which would empower and increase British dominance in the Gulf.

Keywords

Anglo-Ottoman relations, Gulf, autonomous sheikhdoms, Ottoman Empire, Abdulhamid II

References

• References are indicated in the article.