Why was this Russian ship named after an enemy of Russia? Boris Egorov Nov 05 2026 History

https://www.gw2ru.com/history/259369-why-was-this-russian-ship-named-after-an-enemy-of-russia The ship, named after a Turkish ruler, 'was retired' at the very beginning of the war against the Turks. Throughout the first third of the 19th century, Sultan Mahmud II opposed Russian interests in the Caucasus and the Balkans. Under his leadership, the Ottoman Empire fought two unsuccessful wars against Russia – from 1806-1812 and 1828-1829. Yet, when a sailing ship of the line for the Black Sea Fleet was launched in 1836, it was named ‘Sultan Mahmud’ – in his honor. The ship’s figurehead was even modeled after a bust of the Ottoman ruler.