The Turks, as mentioned before, were naturally proud and arrogant, confident in their own strength, bravery, and virtues. This pride came partly from their lack of knowledge about the power and organization of other countries. They often compared the Grand Signior, the Ottoman Sultan, to a lion, while seeing other Christian kings as little dogs. In their view, these “dogs” could bark and disturb the lion’s peace, but they could never seriously harm him except at extreme risk.
They also believed that the Turks were dominant on land, as the Ottoman Empire extended over vast territories, while Christians could only rule the seas, which they called an unstable element. This reflects the general opinion of ordinary Turks about the Christian world: they were underestimating Christian nations while praising the reach and obedience of the Ottoman army on land Balkan Tours.
Respect for Knowledgeable Leaders
However, educated Turks, scholars, and ministers distinguished between the different strengths of foreign kingdoms and princes. They assessed countries based on trade, military power, and influence. Among distant nations, England was highly respected, particularly for the power of its navy. The Turks saw England as influential, even though geographically far away, because its ships could reach and affect many regions around the world.
Esteem for the British King
The Ottoman Sultan held special respect for His Majesty of Great Britain, not only because of trade, which brought valuable goods to the empire, but also due to the strength and reputation of the English navy. This respect was reflected in practical ways: British merchants enjoyed security, freedom, and protection in Ottoman lands, and ambassadors from England were treated promptly and fairly in their requests. The Sultan’s esteem for England shows that diplomatic relations and trade could influence opinions and honor at court, even across great distances.
In summary, while ordinary Turks often underestimated Christian powers, knowledgeable officials recognized the strength and importance of foreign nations. England, in particular, was highly valued for its naval power and trade influence. Respect for foreign princes was earned through a combination of military strength, commerce, and diplomacy, which provided advantages both for the ambassadors and for the protection of their merchants in Ottoman territories.