Achmet Borumborad

Achmet Borumborad (fl. 1769–1786),[1][2] Achmet Borumbadad (or sometimes simply Dr. Achmet[3] or Mr. Achmet)[4] was the assumed name of an eccentric[5] medical con-artist, or quack, operating in late 18th-century Dublin, Ireland. He succeeded in gathering financial support for the construction of a Turkish bath on the banks of the River Liffey in the city. Purportedly a doctor, Borumborad claimed to have been born in Constantinople (Istanbul) from which he had subsequently fled.[5] In reality, he was the fictitious creation of one Patrick Joyce of Kilkenny, or possibly a William Cairns, or Kearns,[6] of Dublin. Adopting the persona of a native Turk, his unusual dress style, turban, and exotic affectations attracted much attention in the city at the time,[7] and he was noted as "the first Turk who had ever walked the streets of Dublin in his native costume."[8]

  1. ^ Registry of Deeds, Dublin. Memorial 277-76-175483. Date: 01/05/1769.
  2. ^ Registry of Deeds, Dublin. Memorial: 375-438-251556. Date: 01/06/1786
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference FJa was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference FJd was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b O'Riordan, Turlough (2009). "Borumborad, Achmet (Joyce, Patrick)". Dictionary of Irish Biography. Royal Irish Academy. doi:10.3318/dib.004363.v1.
  6. ^ Frazer 1886, p. 447.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference CHTM was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference chapofdub was invoked but never defined (see the help page).