In Memory of the Visit of the Turkish Sultan Abdul-Aziz to London, 1867 1867

Alfred Benjamin Wyon created this bronze medal to mark the visit of the Turkish Sultan Abdul-Aziz to London in 1867. This visit took place during a period of complex diplomatic relations, reflecting the Ottoman Empire's efforts to strengthen ties with European powers amidst internal reforms and external pressures. The medal presents us with the Sultan in profile. He is wearing a fez, a symbol of modernization within the Ottoman Empire at the time. This sartorial choice serves as a deliberate statement, reflecting the Sultan's attempt to reconcile tradition with modernity. Consider the broader implications of this meeting. As an intercultural encounter, it highlights the dynamics between the West and the Ottoman Empire, a relationship marked by both mutual interest and cultural tension. The medal, in this context, can be seen as a statement of political intention, designed to foster goodwill and signal alliance. It invites us to think about how political power is often mediated through cultural exchange and representation.