Turkey (Turquie / Ottoman Empire)

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2026-02-10 Diary Coverage: Political references

Overview

Turkey, more precisely the Ottoman Empire, appears in Marie Bashkirtseff's diary primarily in political context. The Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 was a major event during Marie's diary years, and the "Eastern Question" (the fate of Ottoman territories in Europe) was a constant topic of diplomatic discussion. Marie, as both a Russian national and a resident of France, would have followed these events with particular interest.

Historical Context (1870s-1880s)

• The "Sick Man of Europe": The Ottoman Empire was in decline, losing territory in the Balkans
• Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878): Russia fought Turkey, ostensibly to protect Slavic Christians in the Balkans
• Treaty of San Stefano (1878): Russian victory, creation of a large Bulgaria
• Congress of Berlin (1878): European powers revised the treaty, limiting Russian gains
• The Balkans: Ottoman retreat created new states (Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria)

Significance for Marie

• Russian patriotism: The war engaged Russian national feeling
• European diplomacy: The Eastern Question dominated salon conversation
• Political awareness: Marie's diary shows her following current events closely

Related Entries

• #Paris - Where diplomatic discussions occurred
• #Greece - Another state created from Ottoman territory