ITALIANS AND OTHERS IN THE SHADOW OF ABDULHAMID KHAN

Shortly after Abdulhamid II had become padishah, a book that would prove to be highly influential published by the Milanese Treves publishing house: "Costantinopoli" Edmondo De Amicis. This travel account shows influence of earlier French writing (Lamartine, Flaubert, Nerval and others) may considered Italian key text on formative years during reign Abdulaziz. Not only travelers strongly influenced his impressions descriptions, but also many European tourists look at Ottoman court capital through eyes. It can supposed sovereign himself showed great interest in foreign accounts. He certainly did as far presence state is concerned. well knew Constantinople (Pera, Galata) preceded city’s conquest, this making it oldest ethnic group – if allowed speak Venetians, Genoese others nation, while reality they quite recently joined process nation building original Greek population. that: states been business partners from Late Middle Ages (as military antagonists). The sympathetic outlook will have contributed notable way Sultan’s benevolence vis-à-vis culture. Orientalist tendencies art such represented some Verdi’s operas or Donizetti Pasha’s musical creations, excellent painters Zonaro, architects D’Aronco, tailors Parma were much welcomed supported Sultan whose keen culture technical know-how unjustly overshadowed political conservatism struggle for autonomy world leader. Thanks efforts contemporary find its place among nations. In article we examine prominent artists their creations court.