First Submarine Built for Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire faced a decline in naval power and control over its overseas territories, particularly from the early 19th century. This decline prompted efforts to reestablish a formidable navy, aiming to build one of the largest fleets in the world, second only to those of Britain and France. In this context, the shipyard at Barrow, England, constructed the first submarine specifically for the Ottoman Empire. This submarine represented a significant technological advancement in naval warfare, reflecting the Empire's attempts to modernize its military capabilities amidst economic challenges. Despite the ambitious plans to enhance naval strength, the Ottoman economy was in a precarious state, which ultimately hindered the sustainability of the fleet's strength. The introduction of the submarine was a notable step in the Empire's naval modernization efforts, but the inability to maintain a robust naval presence limited its effectiveness in asserting control over its territories and competing with other naval powers.