Ottoman reformers proposed replacing patronage with Prussian-style meritocracy

Evidence

The Sultan, Naima says, was deeply impressed by the wit and learning of the Mughal envoy, and was anxious to send someone of comparable quality to represent him in India, since “ambassadors are the honour of kings.” The Mufti, the vizier, and other advisors, however, persuaded the Sultan of the superior merits of an ambassador who would pay his own expenses, and he therefore nominated the ignorant but wealthy Dhu’l-Fikar. — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 609 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Moses’ merit system threatened the careers of decades of loyal patronage workers — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the…, 336; An Ottoman envoy proposed replacing patronage with Prussian-style meritocracy; An Ottoman ambassador first recommended meritocracy over patronage in 1790 — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans: Interpreting…, 1088 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• An Ottoman envoy proposed replacing patronage with Prussian-style meritocracy #corroborates (1.00)
• Ottoman court chose ambassadors by cost-saving rather than merit #complicates (0.72) — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 609