Abstract

This article focuses on Ottoman representative Mustafa Agha’s diplomatic mission to Florence in 1598. Playing a key role in Grand Duke Ferdinando I’s attempt to establish diplomatic contacts with the Sublime Porte, Mustafa Agha acted as mediator and actively participated in the diplomatic negotiation process between the two courts. One of the important moments in this regard was his travel to Florence. Besides delivering the official letters of Sultan Mehmed III and Grand Admiral Halil Pasha concerning Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici’s request for friendship and privileges, Mustafa Agha also conducted diplomatic negotiations with the Grand Duke and attended some courtly ceremonies in the Medici palaces. Unfortunately, he did not leave any testimony about his stay in Florence; however, thanks to the evidence in the unpublished diplomatic correspondence and reports we possess sufficient information about his reception and perception in this city. This article explores how current political situation and preconceived notions shaped the attitudes of local people and court elites towards this Ottoman representative. Although the Medici-Ottoman diplomatic negotiations ended in failure, Mustafa Agha’s travel to Florence contains a story in itself – offering us insight into diverse and fascinating aspects of cross-cultural interactions in the early modern Mediterranean