James Lewis Farley facts for kids

James Lewis Farley (born September 9, 1823 – died November 12, 1885) was an important person from Ireland. He worked as a banker, a diplomat (someone who represents their country in other nations), and a writer. He was especially knowledgeable about countries in the East, like Turkey.

Early Life and Interests

James Lewis Farley was born in Dublin, Ireland, on September 9, 1823. He was the only son of Thomas Farley. James first studied law at Trinity College, Dublin. But even when he was young, he became very interested in Turkey and other countries in the East.

Working as a Banker

After a big war called the Crimean War ended in 1856, a new bank called the Ottoman Bank was created. This bank was started by business people from England. James Farley became the chief accountant (a person who manages money records) for the bank's office in Beirut. He helped set up this new office successfully.

In 1860, Farley moved to Constantinople (which is now called Istanbul), the capital of Turkey. He became the accountant-general for Turkey's state bank. This bank later joined with the Imperial Ottoman Bank. From this time on, he spent a lot of time studying the Turkish empire. He learned a great deal about its people, its leaders, its trade, and its money situation.

Writing About the East

James Farley wrote many books and articles about the countries he knew so well.

• In 1858, he wrote about 'The Massacres in Syria.' In this book, he strongly supported the Christian people who were suffering.
• In 1861, he wrote about 'The Druses and the Maronites,' which were two different groups of people.
• The next year, in 1862, he published 'The Resources of Turkey.' This book talked about how people could invest their money in the Ottoman Empire. He also pointed out that Greek traders were very important for British trade in Turkey.
• He continued to write, publishing 'Banking in Turkey' in 1863 and 'Turkey; a Sketch of its Rise, Progress, and Present Position' in 1866.
• In 1872, he wrote 'Modern Turkey.' Then, in 1875, he wrote a short book called 'The Decline of Turkey Financially and Politically.' In this book, he warned people who had invested money in Turkey that there might be problems ahead.

Farley knew important Turkish leaders like Fuad and A'ali Pasha. But after they were no longer in power, he spoke out against the bad rule of the new leaders. When terrible events happened in Bulgaria in 1876, Farley wrote 'Turks and Christians: a Solution of the Eastern Question.' This book became very popular. He suggested ways to give Christian people more control over their local areas, while still keeping the Sultan as the main ruler. Some of his ideas were later used by powerful countries and adopted by Turkey.

In 1878, Farley wrote a book about 'Egypt, Cyprus, and Asiatic Turkey.' When the new country of Bulgaria was formed in 1880, he traveled to Sofia to see its new ruler, Prince Alexander I. When he returned to England, he wrote a book about Bulgaria and its leader, called 'New Bulgaria.'

Working as a Diplomat

James Farley was in Egypt in 1863 when the Sultan (the ruler of Turkey) visited. He was also in Constantinople in 1869 when kings and emperors visited the Turkish capital. Because of his helpful writings about the Ottoman Empire, he was given a special job. In March 1870, he became the consul for the Sultan in Bristol, England. A consul is like a representative who helps people and promotes trade. He held this job until 1884. He wrote many 'Letters on Turkey' for a newspaper in Bristol. He also worked hard to increase trade between Bristol and the Eastern countries.

Other Achievements and Later Life

Farley was a member of the Statistical Society of London, which studies facts and figures. He was also a corresponding member of the Institut d'Égypte, a famous institute in Egypt. He even became a special advisor in the public works department of Bulgaria. Because he knew so much about Bulgaria, people often asked for his opinion when there were important discussions about the country in Europe.

James Lewis Farley passed away in Bayswater, London, on November 12, 1885.