Ottoman Messages in Kind

Abstract

The article brings the theory into question that emotions in the Ottoman realm centred on love and investigates whether and if, how, emotions played a role in the empire’s diplomatic gift traffic. The gift exchange with the Mamluks and Iran was largely influenced by specific political situations and feelings were mainly acted out in the domestic sphere. There were, however, several items, which as gifts signalled intimate friendship. Yet, the Ottomans utilised only by way of exception as diplomatic gifts. On the diplomatic stage the main function of presents was to convey messages, be it a thread, or be it an exhortation.