When Commodore David Porter arrived in Constantinople in 1830 to be the U.S. Charge d’Affaires, he had no idea about the etiquette of Turkish diplomacy. His son, David D. Porter, published his father’s life in a book titled ‘Memoir of Commodore David Porter’ which also described the latter’s life as an American diplomat in Constantinople.

It was not the usual practice to receive a Charge d’Affaires by the Sultan as the Turks would only receive and recognize the Ministers of the Great European powers. The European ministers were given a public reception and received by the Sultan. Porter was received informally, which avoided any breach of etiquette. Given time, he established good relations with Sultan Mahmud II (1808-1839).

As the official U.S. representative in Constantinople, Porter conducted his official dealings with the Porte through a Dragoman. Under Porter, William B. Hodgson (from Virginia) was the official dragoman who was an accomplished linguist and suitably qualified to hold this position.

Another official attached to the legation was an Armenian named Ascaroglou “whose duties it was to interpret Mr. Hodgsons interpretation to the interpreter of the Grand Vizier.” Also, George Porter (Commodore Porter’s nephew) was the secretary of the legation “together with two cavasses, old janissaries who had escaped the massacre [of 1826].”

Commodore Porter was perplexed by the multitude of rules that he needed to go through to speak with the Sultan. He had no previous experience in diplomacy and found it strange in having to bow before a sovereign. He was a quick learner but did not like the idea of bowing. However, he had no choice in this matter but simply complied with the intention of advancing U.S. diplomatic and commercial interests in the Ottoman Empire.

Ascaroglou taught Porter “how to enter and retire from the Sublime Porte.” Porter was complimentary toward him and remarked that “the Armenians are the greatest adepts in diplomacy of any people in Turkey.” Porter learned how to bow before the Sultan by bringing “his forehead to the ground on every occasion of ceremony. In the presence of the Sultan, he would bump his head against the floor, with force enough to knock an ordinary man’s brains out.” With other Ottoman dignitaries such as “to the grand vizier he would not strike it quite so hard.” In most cases, Porter would offer the familial salaam and smile.

There is no doubt that Ascaroglou was a great asset for the U.S. Legation. Porter praised “Ascaroglou, and said [that he] was an authority that the chargé d’affaires could not dispute, especially when backed by the dragoman, Mr. Hodgson, who though but recently arrived in Turkey professed to know all about the diplomatic customs.”

Porter did not mind offering a salaam in the presence of Mahmud “but the idea of walking backwards to the door with his eyes fixed upon the ground he thought was a little too much.” He felt that it was “unbecoming for an American citizen to follow such practices” but he had no choice in this matter.

One day, Porter and his entourage were invited to the Imperial Palace “on the banks of the Bosphorus, where the Sultan was going to meet [them].” The Sultan arrived in his caique, and Porter did not have to wait too long. “Refreshments were served in an ante room, followed by pipes and coffee. The pipe stems were of jasmine, and the pipes and coffee cup holders were studded with diamonds. As to the coffee, it was such as only the Turks can prepare. After enjoying these luxuries, the Commodore and his party were ushered into the reception salon.” David D Porter said that Mahmud sat in his customary chair and called Porter to sit beside him “which was immediately occupied by the American representative, in the same manner as if he had been calling on the president of the United States.” This left “Ascaroglou to bow to the ground as often as suited him, which he accordingly did a sufficient number of times to satisfy even Turkish etiquette, meanwhile all the others remained standing.” The interview was short and sweet.

After this meeting, the Sultan bade farewell to Porter wishing him “happiness and prosperity,” and also “paid some compliments to the United States.” Mahmud showed great interest in naval matters and sent one of his naval architects to discuss this issue with Porter.

The issue of the U.S. and Ottoman Navy during the 1830s was covered by the author in a previous article.

Finally, “the papers accrediting Commodore Porter chargé d’ affaires were then handed to the sultan’s principal dragoman, and after a short conversation on general topics the sultan rose and the Commodore and his party backed out in very good style from the imperial presence, the Commodore bowing and the rest making the Turkish salaam.”

When Commodore David Porter arrived in Constantinople on USS John Adams in 1830 to assume the role of U.S. Charge d’Affaires, the Turks were much impressed with his ship the USS John Adams. One day Mahmud invited Porter to accompany him through the naval dockyard and through this encounter they established an informal relationship.

Porter lived in a modest house in Pera, a suburb of Constantinople ethnic Greeks came to dominate. It was regarded as an American outpost in the capital of the Ottoman empire. His house was open to all Americans who needed assistance when visiting Constantinople. David D. Porter tells us that his father left an indelible mark on Americans who had been afforded assistance,  and that some U.S. diplomats treated their fellow Americans with “disgust and indifference.” Obviously such inconsiderate treatment would not have advanced U.S. interests, should returning Americans have complained to the State department and written letters to the press.

Porter became “acquainted with the mysteries of diplomacy” and learned “the prescribed rules of the Turkish court,” which showed that he was a quick learner. Generally, Porter was more interested in visiting “the little villages of Madsciar, Kallessi and in climbing Yash-a-dagh (the Giant’s mountain), than the society of diplomatists who were apparently animated solely by a desire to live in the smiles of the sultan, and who, for the honor of an audience, would salaam to the earth an unlimited number of times.”

There was a lot of chatter from the European ambassadors regarding his meeting with the Sultan – they thought that this was not such a great idea. Nevertheless, Porter’s naval reputation was well-known to the foreign representatives in Constantinople, and he became “a universal favorite in public and private circles.” He established cordial relations with Lord Ponsonby (British Ambassador 1832-41), Count Portallis (Prussian Ambassador until 1844), and Count Sturmer (Austrian Ambassador 1832-50).

In conclusion, Commodore Porter was the most unlikely candidate for a diplomatic role and yet he succeeded in helping Mahmud modernize the Ottoman Navy during his tenure as charge d’affaires. Ascaroglou was an important figure who helped navigate the etiquette of the Turkish court.