Under the Turk in Constantinople: A record of Sir John Finch's Embassy, 1674-1681

"Under the Turk in Constantinople: A Record of Sir John Finch’s Embassy" by G. F. Abbott is a historical narrative that follows Sir John Finch's journey as the English Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire between 1674 and 1681. The story illuminates the intricate relationship between England and Turkey during this period, filled with political strategies, cultural explorations, and personal stories of Finch and others. Initially, Finch is hesitant to accept the ambassadorship in Constantinople; the narrative explores his familial ties to politics and his own inner conflict about leaving his home, but his skills and the demands of the time lead him to embrace this important position. The account sets the stage for exploring Turkish governance and the difficulties faced by foreign diplomats amidst cultural wealth and political tensions.