Selim III

Selim III (24 December 1761 – 28 July 1808) was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807.

Quotes

• We take this opportunity to acquaint your Majesty. When the French Republic was engaged in a war with most of the powers of Europe . . . our Sublime Porte not only took no part against them, but regardful of the ancient amity existing with that nation, adopted a system of the strictest neutrality . . . they [French] all of a sudden have exhibited the unprovoked and treacherous proceedings . . . it is a standing law amongst all nations, not to encroach upon each other’s territories, whilst they are supposed to be at peace . . . a conduct so audacious, so unprovoked, and so deceitfully sudden on their part, is an undeniable trait of the most extreme insult and treachery . . . now it being certain, that in addition to the general ties of religion, the bonds of amity and good understanding have ever been firm and permanent with your Majesty . . . we therefore sincerely hope . . . that you will not refuse entering into concert with us, and giving our Sublime Porte every possible assistance . . . a strict connection is expected between them [French] and your Majesty, for whose service they are to send over a corps of troops by the way of Egypt . . . they [French] are a nation whose deceitful intrigues and perfidious pursuits know no bounds. They are intent on nothing, but on depriving people of their lives and properties, and on persecuting religion, wherever their arms can reach . . . it is sincerely hoped that you will not refuse every needful exertion towards assisting your brethren Mussulmen, according to the obligations of religion, and towards defending Hindostan itself, against the effect of French machinations. Should it be true, as we hear, that an intimate connection has taken place between your Court and that nation, we hope that by weighing present circumstances, as well as future inconvenience which would result from such a measure, your Majesty will beware against it, and in the event of your having harboured any idea of joining with them, or of moving against Great Britain, you will lay such resolution aside. We make it our special request that your Majesty will please to refrain from entering into any measures against the English, or lending any compliant ear to the French. Should there exist any subject of complaint with the former, please to communicate it, certain as you may be of the employment of every good office on our side, to compromise the same; we wish to see the connection above alluded to, exchanged in favour of Great Britain.
  • From a letter that he wrote to Tipu Sultan, 20 September 1798. Quoted in Vikram Sampath - Tipu - The Saga of Mysore's Interregnum (2024), chapter 16.