The British and the Turks: A History of Animosity, 1893-1923

The British described themselves as "the oldest friend" of the Ottomans — but this was never true. At times it was valuable to Britain to support the Ottoman Empire against Russian encroachment, however by the end of the 19th century successive British Governments had begun to sponsor the dismemberment of the Empire. British public opinion and political pressure groups portrayed the Ottomans in universally defamatory terms, affecting the diplomatic actions of politicians. Politicians themse...