The Ottoman Imperial Gaze: The Greek Revolution of 1821–1832 and a New History of the Eastern Question

This article traces what hindsight shows to be the failure paths of Ottoman ruling elites in dealing with Greek revolution 1821–1832. It considers why Sultan Mahmud II and ministers were unable quell ‘insurgence’ definitively fend off Great Power intervention diplomatically. To this end, it looks into reaction rulers adversity as well rivalries among pashas sultan, which strained imperial front, heightened violence against insurgents, then tore apart military campaign. At same time, seeks re-instate historiography Eastern Question much-neglected positionality a contrapuntal approach. places agency European actors within analytical frame its discussion 1827, disclosing rejected Powers’ proposals mediate between authorities revolutionaries. Consulting fresh archival secondary sources Arabic, English, French, Russian, Ottoman, modern Turkish languages, draws attention several overlooked yet vital moments revolution's storyline.