Before the 19th century, relations between the Ottoman Empire and Japan were limited due to geographical distance. The first contacts began during Japan's modernization period with the Meiji Restoration, as the two countries showed mutual interest as potential allies against Western imperialism. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Esenbel describes these relations as “twilight diplomacy,” which never gained official status due to the Ottoman's efforts to balance relations with Russia and Japan's commercial demands.

Relations Until the 19th Century

The relations between the Ottoman Empire and Japan before the 19th century were indirect and limited to geographical distance and the world politics of the time. The Ottoman Empire referred to East Asia as the "Far East," and the first records about Japan appear in Kâtib Çelebi's Cihannümâ, written in the 17th century. In this work, Japan was referred to as “Cezîre-i Yaponyâ” and described in detail regarding its geographical features and general structure.

In addition, the Ottoman perception of Japan was shaped through other Muslim communities in Asia and regional political structures. At the time, Japan was largely closed to the outside world under the Tokugawa Shogunate, maintaining limited trade and diplomacy. Due to Japan's isolationist policies, no contact was established, and relations did not begin.

First Contacts

The period between 1871 and 1881 marked the establishment of the first diplomatic contacts between the Ottoman Empire and Japan. During this time, Japan, following the Meiji Restoration, began engaging more with the outside world and initiated contact with the Ottoman Empire as part of its modernization efforts. In 1871, the Japanese government sent a representative to the Ottoman Empire to review the unequal trade treaties signed with Western powers and strengthen its position in global politics. Within this framework, Fukuchi Genichiro visited Istanbul as part of the Iwakura Mission to study the Ottoman Empire's position vis-à-vis the West and its foreign policies.

Following this visit, Japan made attempts to establish more formal relations with the Ottoman Empire. In 1880, a delegation led by Yoshida Masaharu was sent to the Ottoman Empire. The delegation was received by Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1881, and positive steps were taken to develop relations. However, concrete agreements were not reached due to Japan's demands for trade privileges and the Ottoman's negative stance towards capitulations. Nevertheless, the 1871–1881 period laid the groundwork for future diplomatic ties, with both sides showing mutual interest. The Ottoman Empire viewed Japan as a potential ally against Western colonial policies, while Japan saw the Ottoman Empire as a powerful Asian state and a partner to benefit from its experiences with the West.

1881-1890 Period

Between 1881 and 1890, the relations between the Ottoman Empire and Japan were shaped by mutual diplomatic and political interest. However, these relations did not gain official status due to international balances and the cautious policies of the Ottoman Empire. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Esenbel describes this situation as “twilight diplomacy.” Japan, in its search for balance against Western imperialist policies after the Meiji Restoration, viewed the Ottoman Empire as a potential ally. Within this context, Japan sent a delegation to the Ottoman Empire in 1881. The delegation, led by Yoshida Masaharu, arrived in Istanbul via India and Tehran and was received by Sultan Abdulhamid II. During the meetings, Japan expressed its desire to develop friendly relations with the Ottoman Empire and proposed a friendship treaty.

While Sultan Abdulhamid II viewed the development of Ottoman-Japanese relations positively, he approached the proposal cautiously, fearing potential reactions from Russia. The Ottoman Empire’s need to maintain balanced relations with Russia was the primary factor preventing a formal treaty with Japan. Additionally, Japan’s demands for trade privileges similar to those imposed by Western powers created significant resistance from the Ottoman side. Despite these challenges, the Ottoman Empire sought to maintain friendly relations with Japan and avoided any conflict.

Ertuğrul Frigate

In 1887, Prince Komatsu, a nephew of Emperor Meiji of Japan, visited Istanbul during his European tour. This visit marked a turning point in the diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and Japan. Prince Komatsu presented the highest honor from the Japanese Emperor to Sultan Abdulhamid II, who received it with great appreciation. As a gesture of goodwill, Sultan Abdulhamid decided to send a reciprocal delegation to Japan. In 1889, the Ottoman delegation of 650 members, led by Naval Colonel Osman Bey, was dispatched to Japan aboard the Ertuğrul Frigate. This visit was significant for strengthening diplomatic relations and providing valuable experience for young officers in the Ottoman navy.

The Ertuğrul Frigate arrived at Yokohama Port on June 7, 1890, and was warmly welcomed by the Japanese people. Osman Bey presented the honor medal sent by the Ottoman Sultan to the Japanese Emperor. However, on the return journey, the Ertuğrul Frigate sank off the coast of Wakayama due to a storm on September 16, 1890, resulting in the loss of 581 crew members. The 69 survivors were sent back to Istanbul aboard two Japanese cruisers. This tragic event created a lasting bond of friendship between the two nations and became a symbolic turning point in Turkish-Japanese relations.

The 1881–1890 period marked increased diplomatic contacts between the Ottoman Empire and Japan, although international political balances and economic interests limited their interactions. While no official treaty was signed, the foundations of their relationship were laid, and a friendly environment was established.

1891–1904 Period

Relations between the Ottoman Empire and Japan from the late 19th century onwards were shaped by informal diplomatic contacts and commercial initiatives. This period was significantly influenced by the Ertuğrul Frigate tragedy and subsequent humanitarian and cultural efforts to strengthen ties. However, these relations remained on friendly terms and did not evolve into formal diplomatic agreements.

Yamada Torajiro

In 1892, Japanese merchant Yamada Torajiro came to Istanbul for trade. However, beyond trade, Yamada acted as an informal diplomat in relations between the two countries. With the support of the Ottoman government, Yamada started his activities in Istanbul, focusing on trade and delivering aid collected by the Japanese people to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Ertuğrul Frigate tragedy. Additionally, he presented Sultan Abdulhamid II with gifts representing Japanese culture, including samurai armor, swords, and paintings. These gestures reflected Japan’s desire to strengthen relations with the Ottoman Empire.

Yamada opened a trade shop named “Nakamura Shoten” in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. This shop played a significant role in introducing Japanese products to the Ottoman market and operated almost like an unofficial Japanese consulate. Due to the absence of a formal trade agreement between the Ottoman Empire and Japan, Yamada required special permissions to continue his commercial activities. Supported by the Japanese government, Yamada’s initiatives were also protected by Ottoman authorities.

During this period, Ottoman-Japanese relations progressed mainly through cultural and economic cooperation. Yamada Torajiro’s activities in Istanbul contributed to the recognition of Japanese culture in the Ottoman Empire and enhanced cultural interaction between the two peoples. The Nakamura Shoten shop not only conducted trade but also served to introduce Japanese culture to Ottoman society.

1904–1905 Period

The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) indirectly influenced diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and Japan. Throughout the war, the Ottoman Empire maintained its neutrality, emphasizing this stance to both national and international audiences. However, widespread sympathy for Japan among the Ottoman public and its influence on national politics necessitated a complex balance in diplomacy.

Public and even government officials in the Ottoman Empire expressed support for Japan’s victory. This sentiment led to fundraising campaigns for the Japanese army. These campaigns, widely supported by Turkish-Muslim communities, were later prohibited due to concerns that they contradicted the Ottoman Empire’s neutrality policy. Moreover, some government officials openly celebrated Japan’s success during the war, prompting the administration to impose bans on such actions to avoid diplomatic repercussions with foreign embassies.

To avoid appearing pro-Japanese, the Ottoman government strictly controlled press and publication activities. Newspapers, magazines, books, maps, and commercial products faced increased scrutiny. Materials expressing sympathy for Japan or anti-Russian sentiments were banned. For example, commercial products featuring the Turkish and Japanese flags together were confiscated. Similarly, Japanese theater actors visiting Istanbul were deported for potentially promoting Japanese propaganda.

Sultan Abdulhamid II closely monitored the war’s developments, analyzing maps in Yıldız Palace and obtaining updates from Ottoman embassies in Europe and foreign sources. To preserve neutrality, the Sultan was careful in maintaining balanced diplomatic relations with Japan.

The Ottoman Empire’s significant gesture during this period was sending Miralay Pertev Bey to the war zone as an observer. The Japanese Emperor appreciated this gesture, contributing to stronger ties between the two nations. Pertev Bey analyzed Japanese military tactics and Russian weaknesses, later publishing his observations in his book Lessons Material and Moral from the Russo-Japanese War and the Reasons for Japan’s Success.

By maintaining a neutral stance throughout the war, the Ottoman Empire balanced public sympathy for Japan and international pressures, demonstrating its diplomatic maneuvering abilities. While preserving friendly relations with Japan, the Ottoman Empire avoided provoking Russia, achieving strategic success. This period reflects the Ottoman’s efforts to maintain a neutral stance amidst global tensions.

1905–1923 Period

The period between 1905 and 1923 was relatively calm in terms of relations between the Ottoman Empire and Japan, but indirect influences were felt due to global politics and the internal developments of both countries. During this time, the Ottoman Empire was preoccupied with political and military turmoil, while Japan emerged as a rapidly rising power on the international stage. Although official diplomatic contacts were limited, cultural exchanges and Japan’s global rise and influence in Asia were closely followed by the Ottomans.

Results of the Russo-Japanese War (1905)

Japan’s victory over Russia in 1905 created a significant impact in the Ottoman Empire and the broader Islamic world. This victory not only made Japan an exemplary model of modernization for Asia but also attracted global attention. The Ottoman press praised Japan’s technological superiority, military successes, and modernization policies, and Japan was viewed as a “model country” by Ottoman intellectuals. Prominent figures like Ziya Gökalp and Mehmed Âkif Ersoy referenced Japanese modernization in their works as an example to emulate.

World War I (1914–1918)

The Ottoman Empire joined World War I in 1914 alongside Germany and Austria-Hungary, while Japan entered the war as part of the Allied Powers. This alignment placed the two countries on opposing sides. However, there was no direct conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Japan. Japan did not intervene militarily in Ottoman territories, instead focusing on protecting Allied interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan’s primary goal during World War I was to seize German colonies in Asia and expand its influence in the region. The Ottoman Empire, meanwhile, had no direct interactions with Japan throughout the war. Despite this, public sympathy for Japan persisted in the Ottoman Empire, and Japan’s efforts in modernization and independence struggles continued to be followed with interest in the Ottoman press.

The Turkish War of Independence (1918–1923)

The Ottoman Empire’s defeat in World War I and the signing of the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 left Ottoman-Japanese relations uncertain. During this period, the Ottoman Empire’s international influence weakened, while Japan gained increased prominence in Asia by participating in the Versailles Peace Conference alongside Western powers.

Between 1920 and 1923, the Turkish War of Independence, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was closely observed by Japan. The Japanese press positively covered Turkey’s struggle for independence and resistance against Western imperialism. This period saw a rise in Japanese public sympathy toward Turkey.