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OTTOMAN EMPIRE AS AN EXTERNAL ACTOR AND ITS EFFECT ON POLITICS IN ETHIOPIA FROM EMPEROR TEWODROS TO EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE [Abstract ID: 0508-03]
The Ethiopian-Ottoman Turkish relations were carried out in economic, cultural and political aspects via the Red Sea, Egypt and Sudan territories from 16th century to 19th century. In the medieval period, this relationship between Ethiopia and Ottoman Empire grew rapidly because of the rivalry between Turks and Portuguese as well as internal wars in Ethiopia. In the middle of 19th century, tension in the relations between Ottoman Empire and Ethiopia continued. For instance, Emperor Tewodros and Emperor Yohannes sought to remedy against Turk's increment in the Red Sea through Egypt. Therefore, they sent letters to Queen Victoria and Lord Granville to dismiss Turks from the Red Sea in 1862 and 1872 respectively. After the opening the Suez Canal in 1869, political conditions changed on the Red Sea. Britain supported Egyptian spread to this area. Thus, Ethiopian-Egyptian War broke out on 16 November 1875. However, Sultan Abdulhamit had an influence in the formation of the balances on the region. Hence, the relationship between the two countries improved during King Menelik II and Sultan Abdulhamit II. Deyr Sultan Monastery in Jerusalem was on the issue between them. Furthermore, Ottoman Empire had a significant diplomatic contact with the region. For example, Mazhar Bey who was consul of Ottoman Empire in Harar played an active role in the relations during Iyasu V. Mazhar bey persuaded Iyasu V to become an ally of the Central Powers during the First World War. The main objective of this research is to explore Ottoman Empire’s influence on the politics in Ethiopia from 1860 to 1916. It will also be aimed at assessing the impact on the external and internal political approach in Ethiopia. To this end, comparative historical and document analysis methods will be employed. The historical records of the period available in the archives, in Istanbul and Addis Ababa, will be used to collect primary data.