Relations between Japan and the ottoman empire in western press on the eve of the first world war

Abstract

Suspended by Abdulhamid II in 1878, the Ottoman Parliament finally reconvened on December 17, 1908, following the Young Turk Revolution. On this momentous occasion, messages of congratulations were sent by all nations, including every European power and Russia, the archenemy of the Ottoman Empire— except for Japan. The absence of a congratulatory message from Japan was surprising to the Ottomans, especially considering Japan's rapid modernization, which had transformed it from a feudal state into a progressive power, serving as an inspiration to both Abdulhamid II and the Young Turks. This admiration peaked with Japan's victory over Russia in 1905, symbolizing an Eastern and non-Christian army's triumph over a European rival. Despite this, the Japanese government maintained a distant stance towards the Ottomans. Japan aligned itself with Britain and Russia during the First World War and only sent an envoy to the Ottoman capital after the war to protect its interests during the occupation of Istanbul. Why did Japan fail to send a message in 1908? Why did the Japanese government refrain from establishing diplomatic ties with the Ottomans? This article aims to explore how conflicting interests and political cultures prevented an alignment between Japan and the Ottoman Empire on the eve of the First World War.