An Irishman in Turkey: ‘Wizard of Istanbul’
Gerald Henry Fitzmaurice (1865-1939) was born in the small fishing village of Howth on Balscadden Bay, near Dublin, son of Henry Fitzmaurice. He was educated in Blackrock College, Dublin, proving himself a gifted linguist from an early age. Before the First World War, he made his reputation while serving at the British Embassy in Istanbul in the capacity of Dragoman – interpreter or guide – especially in countries speaking Arabic, Turkish or Persian. It was the title given to…