[OTTOMAN - FRENCH RELATIONS / THASSOS MINES] A historically significant autograph manuscript letter from Thessaloniki in 1914, requesting that Vuccino continue addressing the Thassos mines concession issue between the Ottoman Empire and France

EMIL ZSOLMAY(?).

Salonica, March 22, 1914.

Ink on bifolium. “Ivoire B.A. Extra” watermark and engraved letterhead “Olympos Palace Hotel” title and drawing. 21x14 cm (folded size). In French in 42 lines on three pages. Signed on lower right on the last page. Centrefold trace, a very good manuscript.

A historically significant autograph manuscript letter, sent from the Olympos Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki on March 22, 1914, to Dr. and lawyer Vuccino -descended from the Levantine Vuccino family and providing legal consultancy to Italian and French insurance companies in Ottoman territories- requesting that Vuccino continue addressing the Thassos mines concession issue between the Ottoman Empire and France. Indicating this matter was initially led by Count Ostrorog of Polish origin, the writer of the letter emphasized their close friendship with Mr. Boulgaudes, the French Consul General in Kavala, and stated that every step taken in this matter should be regarded as representing Mr. Boulgaudes himself.

“Monsieur le Docteur Vuccino, Avocat, Constantinople.

Monsieur, Vous vous rappeler que vous avec en votre possession un dossier relatif aux reclamations a presenter au Gouvernement Ottoman en ce qui concerne les mines de Tassos. Cotte affaire commence par le Comte Ostrorog a ete ensuite chargee par vous. Comme vous le sevaz Mr Boulgaudes a ete, et il est toujours mon associe dans cette affaire. En raison des echanges de vues recentes entre la France et la Turquie  l'Ambassade de France a Constantinople serant en mesure de poursuivre avantageasemant cette affaire et le jeune Mr Boulgaudes, Consul de France a Cavalla voudrait s'occupar de sa bouxe fin. Dans cet ordre d'idee je vous ferre de considerer les demarches de Mr Boulgaudes, comme agissanten mon nom et vous mettre en relation avec lui pour qu'ensuite vous puissier preparer, conformenant a ses indications, le dossier dont il s'agit pour etre presente a l'Ambassade de France a Constantinople. Je vous prie, Monsieur, d'agreer avec mes remercier ments anticipes mes salutations destinguees. Emil Zsolmay(?)”

[i.e., Mr. Dr. Vuccino, Lawyer, Constantinople.
Sir, you will recall that you have in your possession a file concerning claims to be presented to the Ottoman Government regarding the Thassos mines. This matter, initiated by Count Ostrorog, was subsequently entrusted to you. As you know, Mr. Boulgaudes has been, and still is, my associate in this matter. Given the recent exchanges of views between France and Turkey, the French Embassy in Constantinople will be in a position to pursue this matter more advantageously. The young Mr. Boulgaudes, Consul of France in Kavala, would like to take charge of it. In this context, I kindly request that you consider Mr. Boulgaudes' actions as being undertaken in my name and that you establish contact with him so that you may subsequently prepare, according to his instructions, the file in question to be submitted to the French Embassy in Constantinople. I thank you in advance and remain, Sir, Yours sincerely, Emil Zsolmay(?)”.

The Ottoman Empire, with its vast territorial expanse, was one of the richest nations in terms of natural resources. However, due to its inability to implement modern advancements in mining, other countries capitalized on these resources. Following the Land Act of 1858, which declared all underground resources as state property, a new mining regulation was introduced in 1861. This regulation allowed foreigners to become partners in mining enterprises established by Ottoman citizens. Under the 1869 mining law, foreigners were granted rights nearly equivalent to those of Ottoman citizens for mineral exploration and extraction. The recognition of land ownership for natives and foreigners alike further equalized their rights in mine management, a principle later reinforced by the Foreigners' Mining Law of 1886.

Despite these regulations, revenues from operated mines often failed to cover the expenses of production activities. Additionally, the export of minerals to foreign countries was subject to various restrictions. Nonetheless, European states exploited Ottoman mines—including emery stone, manganese, antimony, chromium, zinc, and lignite—to supply the raw materials required for their industrial development.

The Eyalet of the Archipelago, comprising sanjaks such as Lemnos, Mytilene, Rhodes, and Chios, was particularly rich in minerals. Among these, the sanjaks of Rhodes and Chios held significant mineral wealth. Mining privileges in the region were often granted to citizens of England, France, and Greece. Under the 1869 mining regulation, foreigners gained almost equal rights with Ottoman citizens in exploring and extracting minerals. The extensive correspondence related to mining matters stemmed from the fact that these privileges were granted directly by the Sultan.

Thassos Island, renowned for its gold mines in ancient times, had long been exploited by the Phoenicians and later the Greeks. By the late Ottoman period, its silver mines were depleted, and only small quantities of copper, zinc, and iron ore remained. However, the island's marble quarries were still far from exhaustion. These quarries, known for producing marble sought after by ancient sculptors and architects for its beauty, were equipped with efficient unloading systems, railways, and wooden roads. Thassos also boasted high-quality opals and amethysts. (Source: Taskaya).

ABOUT THE COUNT OSTROROG (1867-1932):

Leon Walerian Ostroróg was an Islamic scholar, jurist, adviser to the Ottoman government, and émigré in Istanbul. He was also a writer and translator and a member of the Polish delegation to the Paris Peace Conference, in 1919.

He was attracted to the Ottoman Empire as it was a popular destination for the exiled Polish diaspora in the 19th century. It was also a place to which his father had travelled in his youth and is reputed to have taken a death-bed photograph of the Polish bard, Adam Mickiewicz. His first job was as an adviser in the Ottoman Public Administration of Debt in Istanbul. His erudition and social connections led to a friendship with some French intellectuals, including, Pierre Loti. He was later taken on as a government adviser despite his Christian origins. He kept his employment status through the Young Turk Revolution, until 1914. With the outbreak of the I World War, he returned to Europe. By 1918 his star in Istanbul had waned and his contract with the government was terminated. He was enamoured of the country and married Marie-Jeanne Lorando of Christian European descent, but from a long-established Levantine family with whom he had two sons, Jean and Stanislas.

The younger of the two, Stanislas became a French diplomat. He also had a traditional wooden mansion, a Yali built-in Kandilli on the Bosphorus waterfront, which stands to this day. Later in life, he settled in London where he lectured at University College London in Turkish studies.