Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turkish Journal of History, cilt.0, sa.75, ss.223-249, 2021 (ESCI)
This article focuses on the developments that took place during Sharif Husayn Pasha's Emirate of Mecca between July 1877 and March 1880. After giving a brief information about the unique status of the province of the Hijaz, its administrative structure, and the Emirate of Mecca, it addresses the political developments of the period of Husayn Pasha, who acted in accordance with the policies of the Ottoman government until the first quarter of 1879 and cooperated with the governor of the province and the commander of Medina. From March 1879 onward, however, Pasha was in search of a new political future, and in this context, he initiated an unusual and secret dialogue with Britain. Using the Anglo-Afghan War of 1878 as a pretext, Sharif Husayn established a secret dialogue with Britain, and in time, strengthened it until he was assassinated in March 1880. The article explains the stages and aims of his secret dialogue with Britain as well as the decision-making processes at the British Foreign Office regarding relations with Husayn Pasha in detail. Sharif Husayn's Afghanistan mission, members of the mission and context of the letter are also explained based on the British archival sources. The final part of the paper focuses on the assassination of Sharif Husayn, its consequences, and trial and execution of the assassin.