A Turkophil Association which is Founded in England Before World War I : The Anglo-Ottoman Society

Abstract

Anglo-Foreign Turkish Committee was established in London in 1896, the first example of the establishment of a Turkophile society in England. But since this society was not very effective after its establishment, this name was not seen until 1913. In November and December 1913, the Anglo-Ottoman Association was transformed from the Anglo-Ottoman Association, and the Anglo-Ottoman Society was founded. This community holds its meeting on 15 December and collects its members from that date on. Its members include influential names such as Duse Muhammad Ali, known as Pan-African and Pan-Islamist, later Marmaduke Pickthall who became a Muslim, Arthur Field and Aubrey Herbert of the Count family. Members include conservative politicians, as well as members of the liberal, workers and MPs of the Irish nationalist parties and members of the House of Lords. In addition, the prominent Russian immigrant, liberal Rabbi Jaakoff Prelooker, and Moses Gaster, also known as Zionist, and Lucien Wolf, a Jewish journalist, are also on the executive committee. The Anglo-Ottoman Society is a Turkish-friendly propaganda centre. This society will defend the interests of the Ottoman Empire and announce the cause of Muslims all over the world. Society is open to all men and women regardless of race, political and religious beliefs. Before the start of I. World War, it defended the Ottoman and British alliances, but when the war broke out, the two states had to renew their rhetoric. In the war period, they tried to ensure a separate peace agreement with the Ottoman Empire by putting pressure on the British government. When this could not be successful, they made efforts to leave the Thrace, Anatolia and Istanbul lands of the Ottoman Empire to the Turks. However, they did not succeed at this point. Community members have sought to disseminate their activities mostly through media, conferences and bilateral meetings. These publications consist of African Times and Orient Review, Islamic Review and The New Age. They tried to influence the British public and government with their broadcasting organs. This effect was that the protection of the Ottoman Empire was indispensable for the British government. They have also sought to disseminate their own opinions opposed to the various publications against the Ottomans. Although the success of this community is controversial, for the first time a Turkophile structure is important in terms of getting into the act abroad, at least.