Edward Barton (diplomat) facts for kids
Sir Edward Barton (born around 1562 – died February 28, 1598) was an important English diplomat. He served as the Ambassador for Queen Elizabeth I of England to the powerful Ottoman Empire.
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Who Was Sir Edward Barton?
Sir Edward Barton was a key figure in English diplomacy during the late 1500s. He represented England's interests in a faraway and influential empire. His job was to build good relationships and protect trade for his home country.
Early Career and Skills
Barton first traveled to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in 1578. He worked for the Levant Company, a trading company, as a secretary. He assisted William Harborne, who was the first English ambassador there. By 1588, Barton had become the main English representative himself. He was very good at his job because he learned to speak Turkish fluently. This helped him earn respect within the Ottoman court.
Diplomatic Missions
During Barton's time, England was at war with Spain. One of his main tasks was to try and get the Ottoman Empire to support England in this conflict. He also worked hard to protect English businesses. For example, he tried to stop the city of Florence from trading cloth in Ottoman lands, which would have hurt English merchants. To help show the Sultan who Queen Elizabeth I was, Barton asked for a portrait of her. He could show it to the Sultan and hang it in his home for English visitors to see.
With the Sultan
In 1596, Sir Edward Barton even joined Sultan Mehmet III on a military campaign. He traveled with the Sultan's army when they fought against Hungary. Barton was present during the siege of Eger, a major battle. This shows how trusted and close he was to the Ottoman ruler.
His Final Days
Sir Edward Barton sadly died on February 28, 1598, from an illness called dysentery. His body was carried in a special ceremony from Pera House to the island of Heybeliada. He was buried in the cemetery of a Christian church there. People at the time noted that his funeral was very grand. Many important people and representatives from other countries attended. Later, his grave was moved to the British Haydarpaşa Cemetery in Üsküdar.
