Abstract
<jats:p>The history of relations between the Turks and the Italian city-states dates back to very early times. In particular, the Republic of Venice deserves special mention among the Ital- ian city-states. Especially during the period from the rise of the Ottoman Empire to the conquest of Constantinople, the Aegean and Black Sea coasts and the Anatolian geography remained a major trading area for the Italian city-states, as they had been in the past. A significant aspect of this trade was the commercial activities of Western merchants, a group dominated by the Venetians. Commercial activities between the Ottoman Empire and Venice continued uninterruptedly, often through representatives of each country. After Constantinople became a Turkish city, the Venetians were granted the privilege of continuing their activities in Ottoman territories within the context of diplomatic relations. Venetian representation in Constantinople was maintained through Baylos/ Ambassadors. The ambassa- dorial duties, averaging around three years, provide crucial evidence for understanding the relations between the two countries. At this point, we see that these testimonies are not only about politics and trade, but also convey social and cultural insights. This book contains written accounts of all the testimonies we have mentioned, penned by the Venetian ambassadors them- selves. It includes reports from twenty-six ambassadors who served in Istanbul between 1512 and 1789. These texts, known as relazioni, were read aloud before the Venetian Senate by the ambassadors after their terms of office and subsequently written down. They contain significant information in every respect. As primary sources, these letters provide invaluable insights into understanding the historical state of relations between the two countries.</jats:p>