Ottoman Descendants Reflect on Dynasty's Legacy in Modern World

WISE NEWS PRESS / LONDON, UK — DEC. 14, 2025

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1922 and the subsequent exile of the dynasty in 1924, the once-powerful imperial family now exists as a dispersed network of individuals living across the globe.

More than 150 members were forced to leave Turkey after the abolition of the sultanate, with some allowed to return only decades later in 1952 and 1974. Historians and family members note that the concept of a "dynasty" has evolved into that of an "Ottoman family," with descendants leading vastly different lives in the modern world while maintaining a unique connection to Turkey.

Life after exile

Osman Selahaddin Osmanoglu, a fourth-generation descendant of Sultan Murad V, and Dr. Ibrahim Jour, a fifth-generation descendant of Sultan Abdulhamid II, shared insights into the family's difficult past and current reality.

Osmanoglu explained that the family scattered mostly to Europe and the Middle East, including France, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Germany. He noted that many exiled members struggled to find employment and faced severe financial hardship, with some even dying of starvation.

Dr. Jour recounted how his family was given just 24 hours to leave the palace, surviving initially by selling jewelry. Today, family members stay connected through modern means, including a WhatsApp group.

From dynasty to family

According to historian Prof. Dr. Edhem Eldem, by 1924, the dynasty's political and symbolic power had already waned, and their exile caused little public outcry. "It is not possible to talk about a meaningful dynasty existence... It has no real value in society or politically," Eldem stated.

However, Osmanoglu maintains a strong sense of identity: "If I was born a prince, no one can take that away. For me, the dynasty is the Ottoman family. It hasn't changed; it was the Ottoman family for seven centuries".

Views on Turkey and the Republic

Family members express respect for the Turkish Republic and its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Dr. Jour shared his mother's sentiment: "If it weren't for Ataturk, my father wouldn't have met my mother. Of course I love Ataturk; I want the welfare of Turkey and the Turkish people".

While stating he is not a republican, Osmanoglu adopted a democratic stance: "It is never good for one person to be in power. This applies to the Sultan, the President... and even company management".

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