|
The Ottoman Navy’s Journey to England (1850–1851)Mir’at-ı Zafer Frigate & Surağ-ı Bahri Brik
In 1850, two Ottoman naval ships--Mir’at-ı Zafer and Surağ-ı Bahri—embarked on a historic training voyage from Istanbul to Portsmouth, England. Led by young naval officers, this mission marked a significant chapter in Ottoman maritime modernization under Sultan Abdülmecid. The ships visited key Mediterranean ports--Gallipoli, Malta, and Gibraltar—where ceremonies, training drills, and diplomatic salutes were held. Ottoman sailors practiced navigation, gunnery, and ship maintenance, engaging with British naval officers and local populations along the way. In Portsmouth, the ships received a grand welcome. Queen Victoria passed by in salute, and Ottoman officers were invited to British naval dockyards and social functions. Public interest was high—locals visited the ships daily. Ottoman sailors also trained with British crews, learned Western techniques, and proudly represented their empire. This voyage was more than a naval exercise—it was a diplomatic mission, a cultural exchange, and a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's aspirations to modernize and engage with the West. "May God grant peace," wrote Lieutenant Mehmet Burhanettin in his journal as the ships departed Portsmouth in May 1851, returning home through the same waters they had proudly crossed.
0 Comments
Nicknames & Narratives: Unveiling Gosport’s Historical Nickname ‘Turk Town’ Research Brief5/15/2025 BACKGROUND: This project directly links to Gosport’s vibrant cultural heritage by delving into the town’s historical nickname, “Turk Town,” and its connections to the Turkish Navy, effectively bridging historical events with contemporary experiences. At the core of this heritage is the naval cemetery located on Clayhall Road, where 26 Turkish sailors from the 1850 visit of the Imperial Ottoman Navy are laid to rest. It’s heartening, especially in today’s context, that the Royal Navy seemed to care for them in both life and death. Currently, a piece of land in Gosport is dedicated to their memory. Engagement workshops centered around these themes will provide an informative and creative environment for participants to reflect on their ties to Gosport’s heritage and explore how the past influences their present and future. By organizing an exhibition, the project aims to breathe life into this heritage, giving the wider community a chance to learn more about Gosport's nicknames and engage with the narratives of Turkish sailors alongside modern residents. This initiative aligns with funding guidelines by celebrating Gosport’s shared and diverse heritage, promoting empathy, and inspiring action toward a more inclusive future. It fosters a dialogue between past and present, deeply embedded in Gosport’s rich heritage. This project is inspired by the personal experiences and insights of Banu, a Turkish-born British artist and holistic creative therapist, who recently relocated to Gosport after over 20 years in London. Banu recognized a distinctive opportunity to connect this heritage with the lived experiences of contemporary communities in Gosport. Thanks to the National Lottery Players, to Hampshire Cultural Trust and the Gosport Borough Council for their support OBJECTIVES: This proposal outlines an investigative heritage project that will culminate in an exhibition, aimed at exploring Gosport's rich cultural history and its ties to the Turkish Navy. The project will involve:
KEY QUESTIONS: Discovering Knowledge:
Is 1850 courtesy visit to the area the only reason behind this nickname? What other reasons may be behind this nickname?
Creativity Questions:
SCOPE AND POSSIBILITY: Contemporary Importance
TIMELINE: Community Workshops - 2 each month from April to July Revision in August with a Turkish picnic ( to be planned with Portsmouth Turkish Society and Gosport Society members including heritage groups and the support of the Gosport Council) . VOLUNTEERS AND STAKEHOLDERS: HAMPSHIRE CULTURAL TRUST (HANTS) Banu (Bee) Schmid - Project Lead Terry Rhodes - HOD Gosport pioneered Heritage Open Days (HODs) by participating in the first pilot programme back in 1992 > www.gosportheritage.co.uk Elizabeth Backhouse (U3A- History Leader) Gosport Historian Researcher Deniz Beck & Gail Baird - SCT is dedicated to the preservation and sustainable reuse of historic and culturally significant buildings www.sustainableconservationtrust.com Rose Smith - Gosport Arts and Crafts -friend Emma Paxton -a Graphic Recorder and Illustrator, creator imagistic.co.uk Ann Sandall - Local U3A and HOD Volunteer, Creative Crafter Knitter possible collaborators: Tracy Evans via Port&Lemon- artist- design studio based in Gosport Helen Ruff via Flo’s Magazine creator-Flo’s Circle on Instagram, is a wedding consultant, sobriety advocate and Access Bars Helen Burden via YourSpace Gosport (ex imagination refinery place) Community Projects Lead- gosportcab.org.uk METHODOLOGY:
Call to Action & Reflection
This information will also be archived for a follow-up exhibition and potential additional workshops in 2026, with an eye toward meaningful collaborations for future expansion. Anticipated design outcomes may include:
|
AuthorUnveiling Gosport's Historical Nickname 'Turk Town' with a series of free cultural heritage workshops followed by an exhibition for September 2025. ArchivesCategories |
RSS Feed
