Ottoman Engagement in Southern Africa

Asst. Prof. Selim Argun, Istanbul University

This paper aims to explore the Ottoman Empire’s political, cultural, religious and military engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa. Contrary to the common belief, Ottoman Central Administration for centuries kept a close eye on the European political rivalries as well as various local conflicts that took place in the region. However, towards the end of XIXth century, the relationship of the Ottomans with the region took a different trajectory that eventually shaped the future of modern Turkish-African relations.

Key Words: Ottoman Africa, Islam in Southern Africa, Colonialism, etc.