Draft:Ottoman-American Disaster Relief Cooperation (19th Century)

Turkish-American relations in the 19th century were significantly shaped by natural disasters and mutual aid efforts, which played a key role in strengthening diplomatic and humanitarian ties between the Ottoman Empire and the United States. These acts of solidarity not only served humanitarian purposes but also contributed to the deepening of bilateral relations.

Johnstown Flood (1889)

One of the most devastating natural disasters in American history, the Johnstown Flood occurred on May 28, 1889. The flood resulted in over 5,000 deaths and widespread damage in the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In response, the Ottoman Empire became the first country to offer aid. Sultan Abdulhamid II, through the Ottoman ambassador to the United States, Oscar Straus, sent financial assistance to the victims. This early aid gesture reinforced the Ottoman Empire’s friendly stance toward the United States and fostered goodwill between the two nations.

1894 Istanbul Earthquake and American Aid

On July 10, 1894, a major earthquake devastated Istanbul, causing significant damage and loss of life. The Ottoman government, facing financial difficulties and overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, reached out to the international community for help. In response, American citizens and organizations launched a major relief campaign. Aid efforts, coordinated by committees in New York, Chicago, and Washington, raised around 48,000 francs (approximately $9,600) in donations, which were sent to the Ottoman government to assist with recovery efforts.

Humanitarian Aid and Diplomatic Relations

These aid efforts played a crucial role in strengthening Turkish-American relations. While the two nations had formal diplomatic ties since the signing of the 1830 Treaty of Commerce and Friendship, mutual disaster relief efforts marked a significant point of cooperation. Sultan Abdulhamid II’s timely and empathetic response to international disasters helped forge a sense of solidarity between the peoples of both nations.

Ongoing Solidarity in Later Years

In the years following these events, the pattern of mutual aid continued. In 1906, after the devastating San Francisco earthquake, the Ottoman Empire expressed condolences and sent aid. Similarly, after the 1913 hurricane in the United States, Sultan Abdulhamid II sent a letter of sympathy, and the Ottoman government demonstrated solidarity with the American people during times of hardship. These acts of compassion solidified the enduring friendly relationship between the two countries.

Conclusion

The 19th-century disaster relief efforts between the Ottoman Empire and the United States played a pivotal role in the development of Turkish-American relations. These acts of solidarity, conducted through both official channels and grassroots initiatives, not only provided much-needed humanitarian support but also promoted lasting diplomatic ties between the two nations. The empathy and mutual assistance demonstrated during natural disasters contributed to a long-lasting sense of friendship and cooperation, which endured well into the 20th century.