Lady Mary Montagu was an English aristocrat and writer born in 1689. She is best known for her letters that provide insight into her travels and experiences in the Ottoman Empire. Her writings helped to introduce European audiences to the customs and culture of the Ottoman Empire. In addition to her travel writings, Lady Mary is notable for advocating for the practice of smallpox inoculation. After witnessing the procedure in Constantinople, she promoted its benefits in England, contributing to the eventual acceptance of vaccination as a means to combat the disease.