3. Opera, Ottomans and Diplomats: Highlights
The history of western performing arts in the Ottoman life covers a rather surprising time-span: from as early as 16th to 19th Centuries. Throughout this lengthy period, diplomatic corps enjoy an influential role. The initial encounters of Ottoman envoys in European Capitals as they were sent on mission in 18th Century constitute the introduction of this art form to the Ottoman society, and their ambassadorial reports and chronicles provide the initiatory evidential documents. The ambassadorial report by Yirmisekiz Çelebi Mehmet Efendi, the most prominent Ottoman envoy of Sultan Ahmed III (r. 1703-1730) to Paris (1720-1721) is the earliest source which informs the Ottoman world about "opera", and where "opera" is initially mentioned.
These ambassadorial reports/chronicles may also be said to have functioned as means of motivation for the Ottoman Sultans to establish their own court theatres [app. 140 years later]: the first of such is the Dolmabahçe Court Theatre established in 1859 by Sultan Abdülmecid (1823/1839-1861) and the second is the Yıldız Court Theatre established 1889 by of Sultan Abdülhamid II ( 1842/1876-1909).
Selim III (r. 1789-1807), Mahmud II (r. 1808-1839), Abdülmecid (r. 1839-1861) and Abdülhamid II (r.1876-1909) are the four Sultans who were renowned opera enthusiasts to be engaged in this art form.
With 18th Century witnessing mostly Ottoman envoys' opera experiences in European Capitals, in 19th Century the Ottoman Capital becomes vibrantly and frequently engaged in opera: The following three Sultan eras and a few noteworthy examples within will explain: