PORTE’S TREATMENT OF AMBASSADORS OF RAGUSA BY THE END OF FAZIL AHMED-PASHA KÖPRÜLÜ’S VIZIERATE

Abstract

Diplomatic manner which the Porte implemented during reception of envoys from Ragusa originated from their position. Due to this, Ragusa envoys were deprived of gala ceremony during their first audience, as opposed to what was implemented in the case of ambassadors from England, France and the Netherlands. Ragusa did not appoint permanent ambassadors, and as a result, they did not have a residence in Istanbul. At the same time, their envoys did not have to endure the rage of Ahmed Pasha Köprülü, who ceded many of his duties to his favourites during the last years of his vizierate. The case of Musaip Pasha represents personal wishes, expressed to the extreme, of certain viziers; this quality characterized Porte’s relations not only with Ragusa, but with other countries as well. Ahmed – Pasha Köprülü, worn out by old age and water disease, had no further desire to express wilfulness, which especially affected the ambassadors of France for a period of time.