The German-Turkish relations during the Macedonian reforms (1903-1908)

Abstract

In February 1903, with the introduction of Austro-Russian “The Vienna Scheme”, the Macedonian issue became a European-wide problem. The diplomatic games of the Great Powers over the Macedonian reforms became one of the key factors affecting the adjustment of relations among the Great Powers. In order to expand its influence in Turkey and develop German-Turkish relations, Germany mostly stayed out of the Concert of Europe on Macedonian reforms and hindered the reform process. However, when faced with a choice between Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, Germany sided with its ally Austria- Hungary. The Ottoman Empire took advantage of the differences among the Great Powers on the Macedonian reforms to slow down the reform process as much as possible and maintain the integrity of its European territory. However, in the face of the coercive power of the Great Powers, the Ottoman Empire’s claims of sovereignty and struggles often faced failures. In order to avoid the complete collapse of the Empire, the Ottoman Empire tried to develop German-Turkish friendship during the Macedonian reforms, and this diplomatic choice became the main basis for the implementation of national policy in the future and promoted the reorganization of the European power structure.

Keywords

• macedonian reforms ; diplomatic games ; the ottoman empire