High Heels in the Diplomacy of Abdulhamid II: Princess Milena of Montenegro and Sultan Abdulhamid

Having believed in the power of diplomacy, throughout his reign, Abdulhamid II exploited diplomacy for the solution of troubled relations among the countries. Concordantly, he always prioritized ceremonial and dialogue and strived to please his guests by demonstrating such magnificent hospitality. The diplomatic approach of Abdulhamid II was not only to win the hearts and minds of his guests by means of amiably and deferentially submitted gifts, medals and jests but to win the hearts and minds of their peoples as well. One of the greatest examples to the peaceful attitude of Abdulhamid II is the diplomacy he maintained in the relations with Montenegro. Not only the ceremonial held for Prince Nikola of Montenegro has an impact upon this diplomacy but the ceremonial held for his wife, Princess Milena as well. In this study, the woman factor in the diplomatic relations he established with Prince of Montenegro and in his foreign policy and the importance he attached to Princess Milena will be emphasized by help of archived documents and the journals of Nikola.