No nation in the world, however different or “barbarous” it might seem, ever ignored the role of ambassadors. Diplomacy has long been considered both sacred and necessary. As the Roman writer Cicero noted, the rights of ambassadors are protected by both human law and divine law. Similarly, the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an, emphasizes that the office of an ambassador is inviolable. In the Ottoman Empire, this principle was part of the law and tradition.
Protection and Respect for Ambassadors
The Turks recognized that ambassadors should be treated with respect and courtesy. Their laws specifically forbid harming an ambassador. Foreign envoys were guaranteed safety, proper treatment, and protection throughout their stay in the empire. Among all foreign ministers, those sent by the Holy Roman Emperor were often shown the greatest honor. This was partly because the emperor’s lands bordered the Ottoman Empire, and there had been frequent historical encounters with his forces.
Support and Allowances
When an ambassador from the emperor entered Ottoman territory, all expenses for his journey and stay were covered by the Sultan. The amount of support depended on the importance of the ambassador’s mission. Resident ambassadors who stayed for a longer period also received a regular allowance from the Sultan. This practice ensured that ambassadors could perform their duties without worrying about basic needs, which strengthened diplomatic relations Bulgaria Holidays.
Exchange of Gifts
It was customary for Eastern rulers to exchange gifts as symbols of friendship and goodwill. The emperor, following this tradition, would accompany his ambassador with presents as an offering of peace. In return, the Grand Sultan was obliged to honor the embassy by sending gifts of equal value. These exchanges reinforced respect and trust between the courts and reflected a long-standing tradition of diplomacy in the region.
The Ottoman Empire, despite its reputation for military strength, also followed strict diplomatic customs. Ambassadors were protected, honored, and supported according to law. The exchange of gifts and courteous treatment helped maintain alliances and peaceful relations. This respect for diplomacy was an important part of the empire’s relations with neighboring powers and helped sustain its influence across borders.