French consuls and Philhellenism in the 1820s: official positions and personal sentiments1. (16th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Massé, Alexandre
• Is Part Of: Byzantine and modern Greek studies. Volume 41:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2017-03-16
• Subjects: Greece, -- Ottoman Empire, -- French consuls, -- consuls of France, -- war of independence, -- Philhellenism, -- Philhellenes; Byzantine Empire -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Greece -- History -- 323-1453 -- Periodicals; Greece -- Periodicals; Byzantine Empire -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 949.5005
• DOI: 10.1017/byz.2016.31
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0307-0131

Abstract

Abstract : In 1821, the Greek uprising against Ottoman rule gave rise to a sympathetic movement in Europe: Philhellenism. France decided to remain neutral. Yet when trying to apply this neutrality in practice, the French consuls in the Ottoman Empire encountered several problems, such as the arrival of Philhellenic volunteer fighters. Furthermore, they were torn between their professional obligations and their personal views. In this context, how did the consuls perceive Philhellenism and the Philhellenic volunteers? To what extent were they able to express their Philhellenism or Mishellenism? This study examines consular correspondence of the period in an attempt to answer these questions.