The Netherlands and Turkey – Four Hundred Years of Political, Economical, Social and Cultural Relations

Sinopse

This book brings together the articles of Alexander H. de Groot, which convey an overview of the relationship between the Netherlands and the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. These articles involve certain important observations on the history of the political, cultural, social, economic, diplomatic and military relations between the two nations. Another characteristic of these articles is the fact that it serves as a guide for young historians, conducting research in this field, through references and annotations since each of these articles has been accomplished through heavy archival researches. The complete text of the 1612 dated imperial order (ferman, i.e. ahidname) is given in both English translation and Turkish transcriptions. The contents of this order once again establish that the capitulations were much more than only economic privileges. The final chapter of the book gives important hints on how the Independence War and the birth of the Turkish Republic are perceived by the Netherlands and the other European countries. Through these articles, Alexander H. de Groot depicts a certain way of reading history, which, in these days of turbulent relations between Turkey and Europe, brings a certain depth to the issue.