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Auction: 26066 - Historical Documents, Autographs and Ephemera
Lot: 1336

(x) Turkey
1783 (24 July) entire letter to Gibraltar, from Al-Tahir b. Abd al Haqq Fannish, ambassador of the Sultan of Morroco, to George Elliot, Governor of Gibraltar. Fannish writes, "You will get some books from me thorugh your ambassador that I would like you to send to Taniger for Governor Abd al-Malik urgently as soon as they arrive. If the eastern wind blows too strong, send them to your manager in Tetuan, so he can send them to Tangier immediately". In its political context, this request is surprising and suggests a double game on the part of Fannish .The reason for his embassy to Istambul was to convince the Ottoman sultan to transfer control of the regency of Algiers to Morocco in return for economic and material aid in conflict against Austro-Russian forces. But, at the same time, Morocco maintained excellent relations with Great Britain, and Britain was in turn helping the Austro-Russian forces against the Turks. While Fannish offered help to the Ottoman sultan, he was also asking his enemies to transmit lettters of apparently great importance. This letter is mentioned by historian Miquel Forcada in his article "Ramón Lourido and the study of Hispano-Moroccan relations" (p. 69-72); Provided with English translation and a copy of the article; 1pp, 8vo, fine and scarce.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£300 to £400

Starting price
£260