Olof Rönling, First Swedish Consul in the Regency of Tunis (1738-1759): A Diplomatic and Commercial Agent

Abstract

Objectives : The purpose of this research is to shed light on the diplomatic, maritime, and commercial role of the first Swedish consul in Tunisia in the Mediterranean. Methods: Swedish documents have been utilised as a source of study, specifically Consul Olof Rowling’s correspondence between Hussein Ben Ali and Ali Pasha between 1738 and 1742 amidst the civil war that took place in the Eyalet (Regency) of Tunis, and were analysed using historical research methodologies. The study aims to reveal the consul’s commercial transactions, whether from the Swedish capital or through the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Izmir, based on documentary sources consisting of correspondence. Results: The study concluded that the Swedish consul in Tunisia played a substantial part in trade and maritime transport, facilitating shipping opportunities for Swedish captains to many Mediterranean ports. Furthermore, the consul negotiated the peace treaty and sent appropriate gifts to the Eyala, demonstrating that the consular institution supported Swedish trade and seafaring. Conclusions: The study recommended numerous studies on the diplomatic relations and interactions between Maghribi’s provinces (Eyalet/Regency) and Scandinavian countries, which rely on a wide range of sources, both local and Scandinavian, to correlate against one another.