Killing of Novorossiysk Consul Hudai Bey

Abstract

The importance of diplomacy enabled the Ottoman Empire to open embassies and consulates in foreign countries. The Ottoman Empire called sehbenderlik opened in foreign countries as consulates. With the expansion of the diplomatic representation network in the 19th century, consulates were opened in Russia as well as in many countries. One of these consulates was located in Novorossiysk, a port city on the Black Sea. Hudai Bey was appointed to the Novorossiysk Consulate in 1902. Here he began an intimate relationship with a woman named Karlenskaya. Their relationship was known to the people of Novorossisyk and her husband. He was later shot and killed by Karlenskaya's husband in 1904. The first information came to Istanbul that he had committed suicide. However, it was later discovered that he did not commit suicide. The Porte appointed Rostov Consul Fazıl Bey to shed light on this murder and to carry out consular affairs. As a result of the long trial, the murderer Karlensky was sentenced to 3 years in prison. The punishment given did not please the Ottoman Empire. As a matter of fact, diplomatic contacts took place between the two countries. In this study, the details of the murder of Hudai Bey, who was killed while he was working as a consul in Novorossiysk, are mentioned. The aim is to reveal the formation of the murder, its perpetration, and the attitudes of the Ottoman-Russian governments along with the trial process. © 2023, Osman Kose. All rights reserved.