The Eastern Question illustrates the complex interplay of imperial ambitions and local dynamics that shaped the fate of the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic world.
The article emphasizes the long-term consequences of European colonial policies, which not only dismantled the Ottoman Empire but also laid the groundwork for ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The Eastern Question, a term coined in the late 18th century, refers to the geopolitical challenges posed by the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent European powers' strategies to control the Islamic world. This period saw a concerted effort by European imperialists to fragment the unity of the Islamic world, leading to significant socio-economic changes and the eventual disintegration of the Ottoman Empire. The article outlines three distinct stages of European intervention, highlighting the impact of treaties and concessions that undermined Ottoman sovereignty and facilitated colonial ambitions.
The first stage (1453-1535) marked the initial European resentment towards the Ottoman Empire, characterized by campaigns of hatred and incitement against its rule. Despite this, the Ottomans maintained a semblance of stability and control over their territories, allowing various European kingdoms to enjoy autonomy in internal affairs.
The second stage (1535-1830) was marked by the granting of privileges to European powers, particularly France, which allowed for increased missionary and commercial activities within the Ottoman Empire. This period saw the gradual encroachment of European influence, culminating in disastrous treaties that eroded Ottoman authority.
The final stage (1830-1870) involved the outright liquidation and division of Ottoman territories, particularly in the Balkans, through military interventions and political pressures. This led to the recognition of the independence of various Balkan nationalities and the steady occupation of Ottoman lands in the Arab East and North Africa.
