The German Emperor in Istanbul (1917)

Abstract

The coronation of Wilhelm II as the German Emperor in 1888 constitutes an important milestone in Turco-German relations that had a long historical background. Having left Bismarck's prudent policies for a more aggressive imperialism, Wilhelm II visited the Ottoman Empire twice in 1889 and 1899 in order to improve the relations between the two states. A third visit took place during the turbulent years of World War I when the Emperor arrived in Istanbul through Bulgaria. This visit was intended to boost morale and give support to Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria, both German allies. During his four-day sojourn, the German Emperor made several official visits and visited the battleground where the Battle of Gallipoli took place.