This thesis focuses on the Ottoman-Russian diplomatic encounters which took place in Livadia, Crimea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The welcoming delegations constituted an imperial...Show moreThis thesis focuses on the Ottoman-Russian diplomatic encounters which took place in Livadia, Crimea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The welcoming delegations constituted an imperial tradition and these diplomatic encounters not only attest the dynastic rivalry of dominance over Black Sea region but also refer to the interactions between the two empires. By revealing the ways in which the bureaucratic encounters reflected the Ottoman-Russian political rivalry, this thesis contributes to the discussion on how the Ottoman Empire’s bureaucratic cadre perceived the Russian Empire and the diplomatic encounters. This research analyzes the implications of the Livadia reports as expressions of foreign relations and their value with respect to the transforming bureaucratic system in the late Ottoman Empire. The thesis also examines the imperial rivalry and symbolism which arises from the Livadia reports in relation to political issues at stake between the two empires. In addition, this thesis identifies two bilateral concerns underlying the imperial rivalry and symbolism; naval concerns and concerns over minorities.Show less
