Secrets of the Bosphorus

"Secrets of the Bosphorus" by Henry Morgenthau is a recounting of the author’s time serving as the American ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, from 1913 to 1916, amidst the rising tensions of pre-World War I Europe. Morgenthau provides a firsthand look at the political games and schemes as Germany tried to strengthen its influence in Turkey. He shares his personal views and observations of the important players, such as Baron Wangenheim, the German ambassador, and Turkish leaders like Talaat and Enver, portraying Wangenheim's strong goals and the messy situation within the Ottoman government. The author shines a light on the contrast between the initial democratic promises of the Young Turks and the violence and oppression that later defined their rule. The narrative builds as the threat of war grows, foreshadowing the looming tragedies that await ethnic groups, particularly the Armenians, under the shadow of these historical forces.