Early 17th century Ottoman Venetian relations according to the Relazione of Bailo Agostino Nani

The Bailo?s have played an active role in the Ottoman-Venetian relations, which have intensified after the conquest of Istanbul. Bailo?s being the permenant ambassador and representative of the Republic of Venice (referred to also as `the Serenissima?) had the main objective to develop the social, cultural and political relations and keep them in balance. Starting from the year 1454 until the end of the Venetian Republic (18th century), many bailos have served in the Ottoman ruled Istanbul ? on average three year terms, and after returning to their country, prepared detailed reports on their observations on the Ottoman Empire, later to be presented personally to the Venetian Dodge and the Senate.In this thesis, in addition to the explanation of the institution of Bailo and the Ottoman-Venetian relations, the relazione which was written to the Dodge of Venice by Agostino Nani (started the position in 1600 in Istanbul) is focused upon. The information presented in the relazione about the Ottoman Empire, Mehmed III, his sons and his mother Sultan Safiye, is also compared with the accurate information at the times.In addition, the relazione written with an ancient Italian language mixed heavily with Latin words, much different than the modern day Italian, has been translated to Turkish for the first time.