Russian Presence in Baghdad & Basra in 1896
Have googled: Russian consul Basra 1890s; Russian consul-general Basra 1890s; Russian diplomatic relations Ottoman Empire; etc.
Here is my problem: I know that the proper Russian consulate didn't come before 1901. But I also know that although the British consulate in Basra didn't come before 1898 there was still a British (or Indian government) representative there. So it stands to reason that other nations with interests in the region could have representatives in Basra or Baghdad even if the formal, fully fledged consulate wasn't established until later. But I'd like to know one way or the other.
Here is my problem: I know that the proper Russian consulate didn't come before 1901. But I also know that although the British consulate in Basra didn't come before 1898 there was still a British (or Indian government) representative there. So it stands to reason that other nations with interests in the region could have representatives in Basra or Baghdad even if the formal, fully fledged consulate wasn't established until later. But I'd like to know one way or the other.