Fundamentals of Ottoman-Safavid Peacetime Relations, 1639–1722

Abstract

This article establishes the overarching principles of Iranian-Ottoman peacetime relations from the Treaty of Zuhab to the collapse of the Safavid rule. Based on previously untapped sources, it illustrates the hierarchical foundation of relations marked by the principle of seniority-juniority on every platform, explores the concepts of legal personality, actors, representation, and delegation in diplomacy, and delineates the various capacities of diplomatic missions. After discussing the conduct of diplomatic business and ceremonial protocol, the article addresses the phenomena of language and arts in official contacts. The later part thematizes foreign policy, status-quos, common frontier, balance of power, harmony, and strife, and thus shows how active and dynamic post-Zuhab relations between Istanbul and Isfahan were.