Admiral Hobart Pasha, Commander Of The Turkish Fleet

Description

This engraving depicts Hobart Pasha (real name: Augustus Charles Hobart-Hampden, 1822-1886), the renowned commander of the Ottoman Navy. Hobart Pasha, of English origin, entered Ottoman service in the second half of the 19th century and quickly became one of the most renowned admirals of the Ottoman Navy. His uniform, Ottoman insignia on his chest, and fez in the engraving visually demonstrate his naval commander's complete integration into the Ottoman military hierarchy. During the American Civil War, Hobart Pasha volunteered for service on blockade-breaking ships in the Confederate Navy, earning a reputation for his seafaring prowess. He later entered the service of the Ottoman Empire, holding important positions in the navy as a Mirliva (Rear Admiral), and played an active role in the command and control of the Ottoman Navy during the Cretan Rebellion. He received widespread coverage in the international press, particularly because he served as the commander-in-chief of the Turkish navy during the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-1878.