Selim II Period Ottoman-Venice relations (1566-1574)

Ottoman-Venice relations, based on Mediterranean trade, have continued in the XVI. century. II. Selim who accede the throne in the second half of the XVI. century, has wanted to consolidate Ottoman dominance especially on the Mediterranean trade. For this purpose, II. Selim has conquered the island of Cyprus which was last commercial base of Venice in the Mediterranean. The conquest of Cyprus by Ottoman State resulted in the establishment of the crusader alliance under the leadership of Venice. Although Ottoman State fought hardly with crusader troops, they were defeated in Lepanto Harbor. In spite of the war events, trade relations have kept continuing between two countries. In contrast to small troubles, trade relations were aimed to be improved better at the armistice times. In this study, all the political, military, economy and cultural relations between Ottoman State and Venice during the II. Selim period are examined. In the first part of the study, information is given about the origins of the Ottoman-Venice relations. To have a wider aspect of view on the relations between these two countries, general circumstances in Mediterranean and Europe has been included. Second part consists of political and military relations between Ottoman State and Venice. Conquest of Cyprus and defeat of Lepanto which are amongst the most important events in the period of II. Selim are studied in this part. In the third and the final part, the pact given by Ottoman State to Venice and the following envoy-traffic between these countries are covered. The progress of mutual trade relations is also studied in this part. Our study was prepared benefiting from various books and articles besides Mühimme books.