Different Side of the Foreign Policy During the Crimean War: Prince Napoleon’s Visit to Istanbul and Crimea (1854-1855) Kırım Harbi'nde Dış Politikanın Farklı Bir Yönü: Prens Napolyon'un İstanbul ve Kırım Ziyareti (1854-1855)

Göç A.

Kadim, no.11, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.54462/kadim.1827895
  • Journal Name: Kadim
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Keywords: Crimean War, England, France, Istanbul, Prince Napoleon
  • Marmara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This article focuses on Prince Napoleon’s journey to Istanbul as an example of social and diplomatic visibility during the Crimean War. The details of this journey are presented using primary sources, archival documents and newspapers. Despite existing studies in Turkish literature, this article presents a revised approach by incorporating new details derived from English and French periodicals, as well as unused Ottoman archival documents. Prince Napoleon, heir to the throne of France and cousin of Emperor Napoleon III, came to Istanbul in an era when France and England were allied with the Ottoman Empire in the Crimean War. The Prince’s visit, therefore, served as both a symbol of the alliance and a demonstration of their commitment to the war effort. Prince Napoleon met with key figures in the Ottoman Empire and engaged with the Francophone community in Istanbul. Furthermore, he visited the front lines and participated in the military campaign. In conclusion, Prince Napoleon’s journey offers vivid impressions of Istanbul during the Crimean War period. Moreover, this visit provided the Ottomans with an opportunity to display Tanzimat-era modernization practices to Europe, as well as the transformations in social and political life.