BİR SIR KÂTİBİNİN AVRUPA GÖZLEMLERİ: AHMED NAZMÎ EFENDİ’NİN KALEMİNDEN FRANSA VE AVRUPA AHVALİ
EUROPEAN OBSERVATIONS OF A SECRET CLERK: FRANCE AND EUROPEAN CONDITIONS FROM THE PEN OF AHMED NAZMÎ EFENDİ

Summary/Abstract: Ahmed Nazmi Efendi, who served as Halet Efendi's secret clerk during his ambassadorship to Paris (1803-1806), would write an appreciation on his return to the country. Nazmi Efendi, who took an active role in Halet Efendi's entourage during his embassy, would have the opportunity to observe both France and Europe. In this way, he would give information about the important events that took place during his embassy. Nazmi Efendi, however, would especially focus on the French military system. He would give information about the prominent elements of the French military system, especially the personality of the commander-in-chief and later the emperor Napoleon. He would give information about some of the prominent elements of the French army, from the recruitment system to training, from military education to the number of soldiers. According to this information, Nazmi Efendi, undoubtedly wanted to show how a victorious army system functioned and perhaps how it should function. Additionally, this information is of great importance as it was written at a time when efforts were being made to establish a regular and trained army in Istanbul. In addition to all this information, another issue that Nazmi Efendi emphasized was the political situation of Europe. In particular, it would provide information about the political situation and positions among the great powers. He would emphasise the coalition formed against Napoleon and especially the political attitudes of Russia and England. Considering that the Ottoman Empire was on the eve of a war with Russia, this information was valuable for the Bab-i All. In this study, Ahmed Nazmi Efendi's statement will be analyzed.

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