Boris Johnson discusses family history involving Ottoman-era slavery

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shared details regarding his family's history involving the Ottoman Empire. In a column for the Daily Mail, Johnson stated that his great-grandmother, Hanife Feride, was a Circassian girl who was sold in a slave market in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar during the 19th century.

According to Johnson, his ancestor was brought from the Caucasus to Istanbul via a wooden ship following regional conflict. He noted that his family's research, conducted by his sister Rachel and cousin Sinan, revealed these origins. Johnson used this personal history to critique contemporary debates in the United Kingdom regarding apologies and reparations for slavery and colonialism.

He questioned why modern taxpayers should be held financially responsible for actions taken under different jurisdictions and administrations during the Ottoman era, stating, “We Johnsons come from slave lineage. Should we, as a well-to-do family, now demand compensation?”