L'Illustration Magazine of 1909

illustration magazine of 1909

Constitutional monarchy did not come easily. Sultans were usually against it, so were religious sects. Soldiers had to walk in the city (a rare event) to restore order, and L'Illustration, a popular magazine of the time, covered it in 1909. Its faith was doomed, though. Within five years the Ottoman Empire would engage in World War I, siding with the Germans; and ten years later, occupation forces would be patrolling in Istanbul.

I must add that if someone asked what I liked most in military parades, I would definitely say the cavalry. Irreplaceable!

Estimated value: $ 60

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