How Far is the Far East to the Near East? Dynamics of Japanese-Turkish Relations Before Their Official Beginning

This talk examines the unofficial period of Japanese-Turkish relations between 1873 and 1924, shedding light on the character of these early years and the fundamental conditions that shaped them. It argues that the initial phase of the relationship was defined by two non-European empires—Japan and the Ottoman Empire—grappling with 19th-century imperial powers. As both nations pursued legal modernization, they closely observed and evaluated one another’s evolving positions and policies.