Changing the Role of Diplomacy in the Ottoman Empire of the 16th Century

The article analyzes the process of gradual change in the methods of interaction between the Ottoman Empire and other states. During the 16th century, the forceful methods of interaction between the Ottoman Empire and foreign states began to give way to diplomatic methods. The Ottomans began to realize that sometimes it is easier and more profitable to settle relations with other powers or achieve their political goals through diplomacy. The authors note that the diplomacy conducted by the Ottoman Empire differed significantly from the European one, which was probably due to the peculiarities of the Ottoman ideology, the influence of which was reflected in various spheres. Particular attention is paid to the characteristics of the Ottoman diplomatic institutions and mechanisms. It is noted that a large number of people were involved in diplomatic activities, although not all of them held official positions. An important place in the article is given to the characterization of diplomatic documents. The most significant of them are several types of ahdname (capitulations, sultan's letters (nami-i Humayun), unilateral agreements issued to those countries that recognized Ottoman rule. The authors identify and analyze several models of diplomacy carried out by the Western powers in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century and emphasize that the Ottoman sultans often perceived the signing of treaties and agreements by other states with the Ottoman Empire as a sign that they obeyed it, and did not consider it equal. The conclusion drawn in this article is that  during the 16th century, the Ottomans increasingly began to resolve various issues with other states using diplomacy. Through negotiations, it was possible to avoid military clashes or end bloody battles on favorable terms for all sides.