Abdul Aziz Collection
Abdul Aziz, the Sultan of Turkey, was a prominent figure in the 19th century
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Abdul Aziz, the Sultan of Turkey, was a prominent figure in the 19th century. His visit to London in 1867 created quite a buzz, as he received an invitation to a grand reception held in his honor. The event was attended by notable figures, including Queen Victoria herself. During his stay in London, Queen Victoria bestowed upon Abdul Aziz the prestigious Order of the Garter, symbolizing their close relationship and mutual respect. This historic moment was captured beautifully by artist William Barnes Wollen. However, not all depictions were flattering. A Vanity Fair cartoon from 1869 humorously portrayed him with the French caption "Ote-toi de la que je m y mette" (Get out of my way so I can take your place). Despite this satirical representation, it is evident that Abdul Aziz's presence left a lasting impression on European society. His reign as Sultan saw significant changes within Turkey. As depicted in engravings from that era, Abdul Aziz implemented reforms and modernization efforts throughout his country. Yet tragically, his rule came to an abrupt end when he was deposed and later murdered in 1876, and is worth noting that there have been other notable individuals named Abdul-Aziz throughout history. One such figure is Abdul-Aziz Ibn-Saud who became King of Saudi Arabia from 1932 until his death in 1953. Abdul Aziz's visit to London remains an important chapter in history where East met West and cultural exchanges took place at the highest level.