Istanbul in 19th Century Russian Travelogues

Throughout the 19th century, Ottoman territories attracted not only European intellectuals but also Russian diplomats and intellectuals, who showed a particular interest in Istanbul and its religious sites. During this period, Ottoman-Russian relations were predominantly shaped by tension and conflict, with only occasional short-term alliances. However, Russian travelers contributed to the formation of the images of "Turks" and "Istanbul" images in their own public discourse through their observations of the Ottoman Empire. This study focuses not on the general observations of Russian travelers regarding Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire but rather on their perceptions, interpretations, and viewpoints concerning the city's religious structures and religious circles. The central position of Hagia Sophia in Russian Orthodox thought is clearly reflected in travelers' narratives. One of the first places Russian visitors sought to see in Istanbul was Hagia Sophia. Its conversion into a mosque as a symbol of conquest was perceived by the Russian Empire—which positioned itself as the protector of Orthodoxy—as a loss that needed to be redressed. In addition to Hagia Sophia, Russian travelers also viewed Istanbul’s Sufi traditions as an exotic and mystical element. Particularly, Mevlevi lodges, whirling dervish ceremonies, dhikr rituals, and other significant religious practices within Ottoman society caught their attention and were extensively documented in their travel writings. However, they primarily regarded these rituals as visual spectacles rather than engaging with their religious and spiritual dimensions. Nonetheless, they also made observations regarding the influence of these places on Istanbul's social life, offering valuable insights into the religious and cultural structure of Ottoman society. This study aims to analyze the intellectual perspectives of Russian travelers towards Istanbul through their travel narratives from the 19th century, examining the symbolic importance of Hagia Sophia in the Orthodox world, the role of Sufi sites in Ottoman society, and the images that Russian travelers constructed about Istanbul

Ancient history · Art · Literature · Narrative · History · Islamic Studies and History · Soviet and Russian History · Turkey's Politics and Society

• Ortodoks Rus Bakişiyla Osmanli Topraklarindaki̇ Kutsal Mekanlar

  Open Access•Cumhur Kaygusuz, Alim Abidulin et al.•Türk Kültürü ve HACI BEKTAŞ VELİ…•2026

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