Yachts for Safety not Just Comfort

Although the steam yachts near the foreign embassies in Constantinople may look like luxury transport, they actually have a much more serious purpose. These yachts are emergency escape boats for diplomats in case of danger. This important reason is not often talked about, but it is known among those who live in the area.

The situation in Turkey at the time was similar to what happened in China during the Boxer Rebellion, when foreign diplomats in Peking (Beijing) were attacked by local mobs. In Turkey, there was a constant threat of violence from fanatical religious groups, especially mobs of angry Muslims who believed it was their duty to kill non-Muslims (Christians and others) Guided Tour Ephesus.

Constant Risk for Foreign Diplomats

If such a mob took control of Constantinople, it would not matter whether someone was English, Austrian, or Armenian—anyone who was not Muslim could be attacked. These mobs would not distinguish between foreigners and local minorities. Sadly, the Turkish police and officials were usually unable to control such outbreaks of violence. Because of this danger, embassies needed to be prepared at all times to evacuate quickly.

This is why a long line of steam yachts was always docked near the foreign district of the city. These boats were ready to take diplomats and their families away to safety if needed.

Gunboats as Extra Protection

In addition to the yachts, some countries—Germany, Russia, England, France, Austria, and Italy—also kept small warships or guard boats (gunboats) in the Bosphorus. These boats were there to protect citizens and diplomats in case of violence. The Turkish government did not normally allow large warships to pass through the Dardanelles, a narrow waterway, but these small boats were allowed by special agreements or treaties. Even the Turkish police admitted that the presence of these boats was necessary.

Foreign Nations Do Not Trust Turkish Mail

Another sign of low trust in the Turkish government was the fact that many European countries had their own post offices in Turkey. Nations like Britain, Germany, France, Austria, and Russia ran separate mail systems for their citizens living in Turkey.

This special arrangement was made with the permission of the Sultan and was part of international treaties. These foreign post offices were open to the public and could be used by anyone. Mail was sealed in bags and sent by railroad to the nearest city in the home country. For example:

British mail went to London, French mail went to Marseilles, Austrian mail went to Budapest, Russian mail went to Odessa

The mail bags were opened only upon arrival, and then the letters were handed over to the regular postal system of each country.

At these foreign post offices, regular stamps were sold, but they were marked with Turkish currency values. All of the foreign post offices followed this system.