Description

Ali Suavi (1839 – 1878) was an Ottoman reformer, journalist and political activist. Due to his radical political ideas and opposing to Sultan Abdülaziz Ali Suavi settled in Paris in 1867, where he was an editor of the Young Turks’ publication Muhbir, until he was removed from the position. In 1876, Ali Suavi published three books regarding the problem of Herzegovina, with this third book discussing Montenegro.

The book includes a map of Montenegro, an overview of the 19th century historical events in the region and passages from the Western and Ottoman sources. The author expresses his strong opinion on previously wrongly understood or recorded information. The book was written during the Montenegrin–Ottoman War (1876-1878) on the eve of proclamation of independency of Montenegro in 1878.

The books includes a portrait of Sultan Murad V (1840 – 1904), who reigned for only 93 days, from 30 May to 31 August 1876, until he was disposed due to his mental health and replaced by his half-brother Abdul Hamid II.

A great supporter of Murad V, Ali Suavi returned to Istanbul and in 1878 lead a coup, supported by a small group and Murad’s closest relatives. Ali Suavi with his followers stormed the Çırağan Palace, where Murad was held, and tried to liberate the former sultan by escaping on a boat, waiting in a nearby bay. The coup failed and Ali Suavi was killed with most of his men.

References: OCLC 221738385, 459128251, 1124574362, 44086488, 49968382.