Week 4 Reading Response

Reading Response 4

            This week, we learned about coffee’s context in Western Europe, and how it represents the cultural exchange between the East and the West in the 16^th century. It was especially pertinent to us because we had learned in such detail about coffee in the Ottoman Empire, but the movement of coffee and coffee houses to Western Europe is a significant part of the cultural encounter as well. This ties in well with the idea of the Mediterranean as a place of fluid identity (as opposed to the modern construction of identity that we are more familiar with). The coffee in Europe and coffee houses that they were enjoyed in the Ottoman Empire are different, but have some similarities- emblematic of their relations.

             This week we got to think about the various ways that concepts of identity changed. Identity used to be based off of nation and religion; but in this time, there is a different notion of identity. My understanding of the change that we read and talked about this week was that a person’s nation and religion were their markers of identity, but within a nation there wasn’t always a homogenous language. Today, usually within a nation, everyone speaks the same language and language is another very important marker of national identity. In the 16^th and 17^th centuries, identity was fluid as people moved through space to various areas of the Mediterranean, and I will discuss a few examples of this below.

            Venice was in the middle of Western Europe, but it had all the markers of an Eastern city, making it a “Western, borderline Eastern” city. One fascinating example of this that we discussed in class was how the San Marco Cathedral in Venice has Eastern influences in the architecture, how you can see hints of the East in the roof. Having been to Venice recently, I had noticed that some of the architecture there was different from what I had seen in other parts of Italy and Spain, but I hadn’t perceived the differences as Eastern. Now, after our discussion in class, looking at pictures of Venice I see the Eastern qualities that remain in its architecture, a result of the Ottomans living in Venice and the Venetian experiences with the Ottomans. This ties into the idea of fluid identity because it’s a spatial manifestation of two different identities, East and West, in one place.

            Perhaps the many fluid identities of both Westerners and Easterners shared space in Constantinople because the Ottoman Empire was more welcoming than the West. This week’s readings delineated the many reasons that Western Europeans came to Constantinople and converted to Islam. Reasons included gaining social mobility, improving social status, escaping slavery, hopes of financial success, and better conditions and political autonomy for women. Another group was of the Venetian and sometimes Genoese students of foreign language who went to Constantinople to improve their knowledge and then work in embassies and interpret for trade. Additionally, some were just in search of adventure, so they moved to Constantinople for that! All of these various reasons show us how during moments of economic crisis in Europe, there were more conversions- a lot of this is due to people going to Constantinople, which to me is very interesting having just studied in Istanbul and seen the blending of the traditional and the modern, also the East and the West, there.

            For women, the law in Constantinople was different than that in Venice. As the Dursteler reading on renegade women showed with the example of Fatima, women were already subjects in Constantinople., and they had more rights than European women; including the right to dispose of their property as they wanted, the right to go to court, the right to go in front of the Divan (imperial council), and so forth. For these reasons, women left Europe for Constantinople and converted to Islam. It is interesting to me how now the East, even Turkey, and sometimes, Islam itself, is considered “backwards” by some, when they actually were historically more gender equal than Western Europe.

            To conclude, in class we learned that in this time, coexistence as a way of life emerged, taking the place of the clash of civilizations. I accept this to be true, but I am also mindful that while there was coexistence, there was intolerance, too, as seen in the fear of intermarriages (which we touched on in the Othello close reading) and the common fear of conversion to Islam. So, this is where the idea of multiple, fluid identities that change and shift comes into play. This is how the Mediterranean becomes one big area “characterized by movement, exchange, and cultural encounters”. 

Week 3 Reflection- Michael Garcia

Week 3 Reflection- Michael Garcia

City states around the Mediterranean region began to rise in the 14^th century and began to become very important in their influence on international trade routes, spice routes, etc. In the 15th century, these trade routes began to develop and be utilized on a greater scale. Following the crusades, especially during the 16th century, Europe became more powerful.  Following the collapse of Constantinople, the expansion of the Ottoman Empire actually allowed for  doing “away with numerous borders and resulted in one homogeneous trading zone in which only one set of import export customs was due (Fleet).” However, the Ottoman Empire emerged into a trade center for the east as it happened thanks to the accumulation of marriages and religious conversions. Constantinople was filled with Jesuits and with the rise of demand of Western Europeans; the Catholic pope turned the other cheek against Christians converting to Islam for business or personal purposes. Meanwhile, in the west, Genoa and Venice (although small city-states) served as great mediators of the east and west. Therefore, stimulating the “economic development of the early Ottoman state and, indeed, to Ottoman territorial expansion” demonstrating economic aspirations and eventual integration into the economy of the Mediterranean basin for the Ottomans (Fleet).

For the interactions between Genoa and Venice with Istanbul, money largely formed the basis of the relationship, rather than any religious dispute. Once Constantinople had fallen, what “the Genoese really wanted was... to ensure freedom of movement and, in particular, access to and from the Black Sea (Fleet).” Both Genoese and the Turkish Ruler, Mehmed, had high interests in keeping relations between each other running smoothly. The Genoese merchant was an integral part of the embryonic Ottoman economy, not merely as an outside factor coming, taking and leaving, but as one of the functionaries of the state, for Genoese and other Latin merchants operated as tax farmers for the Ottomans in the 15^th century. Venetian merchants could even trade safely within Ottoman lands, with the freedom of movement and security of persons and goods

Yet, the early Ottoman state was not distinctly eastern or western, or viewed in the light of a western Christendom Muslim Turkish conflict, but to be understood as an integral part of the Mediterranean economy (Fleet). Although, it may seem as “the Turks” were one of the infamous Christian enemies, they were actually a huge part of their trading bloc, especially where Genoese flocked to.

In spite of their many wars between the Venetians and  Ottomans, the two enjoyed long periods of peace and friendly relations on commercial and political levels (Carboni). Venice was Istanbul's best customer since they wanted to discourage trade with English, Dutch and French and continue their own activities in the Orient. Even, the Sultan’s income consisted of taxes on non-Muslim subjects that yielded ever-greater revenue as lands grew (Carboni).  In 1481 non-Muslims and non-tributaries paid 4 per cent on imported goods and on merchandise transferred from one ship to another, tributaries paid 2 per cent and Muslims paid 1 per cent (Fleet). This made it economically advantageous for a merchant to be Muslim to avoid taxes and gain certain business privileges once in the land of the Ottomans, and so the Christian converted to Islam.

It became easy for men to convert to Islam, while not all Christian women who arrived in Istanbul during the same years actually changed their religion. Muslim could marry a Christian women and it was easier for women to maintain their religion if they choose to live in Istanbul (Pedani). Males reached Ottoman lands as prisoners or at own will but had to become Muslims if they wanted their freedom or make a career. Yet, in the late-16th century, Christian women went to Istanbul to join their relatives who gained important positions in the Imperial administration. Muslim women in Ottoman lands had much more political power than Christian woman, thus becoming advantageous for Venetian women to convert to Islam upon arriving to Istanbul (Pedani). Finally, marriages served to cement alliances. Some free-born persons began to obtain high political positions using the help of harem women. Rich or important heiress women were the means to reach the goal of gaining wealth and power (Pedani).  And so, “the East” and “the West” were much more connected (via trade) and influencing then one may have perceived. On my visit to Venice this past weekend, I noticed how some of the architecture prominent on palaces and even on Saint Mark’s Basilica (which contains four horses originally from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul) contains many Islamic and Ottoman traits as traces of these relationships.    

Week 3 Reading Reflection

Shane West

Professor Villa

28 October 2015

The Mediterranean region was once considered the trade center of the world, bridging between East and West with an extensive network of exchange unlike any other region. The Mediterranean was in fact described as “the sum of its routes” (Braudel 201). Sea and land trade rivaled, towns emerged and gained power, and cultures either coexisted or clashed. The latter half of the last millennium in the Mediterranean is characterized by interdependent economies, cultural and social hubs, and also frequent wars. Although it would seem as if a stark dichotomy existed between eastern and western nations, namely Venice and Constantinople, it is much less black and white than this. Communication and trade relations in the Mediterranean in this era were as dynamic as the identities of the people that inhabited it.

If the Mediterranean was the trade center of the world, then Venice was the nucleus inside of it, actually considered the undisputed center of the Mediterranean world in the 1400’s (Wright 253). Venice became a melting pot of east and west trade and culture as trade boomed and the Ottoman Empire expanded (Fleet 3). “Business was good in the Mediterranean, and Venetian ships were in the thick of it”. Venetians were “in the thick of it” their agents located in both gateways to spices, silk, and other products of the East, Syria, and Egypt”—cities and urban life in general were booming, but especially Venice, and as Venice got richer more people migrated to the city, and the cycle continued (Wright 256). The recipes in the excerpts of A Mediterranean Feast that we read are very meat and dairy centered, both luxuries that poorer parts of Italy did not have, thus reflecting the Venetian wealth at the time.

Unlike many other western societies, Venice did not carry out acts of aggression on the Ottomans, only taking part in Crusades to prevent the spoils from going to their rivals, and actively maintaining trade relations with the Muslim world (Carboni 43). In fact, trade was so interdependent between these two powers that Venetians would convert to Islam to establish trading careers in the Ottoman Empire, and then simply convert back to Christianity when they had finished (Safiye 23). West and East were constantly sharing goods, ideas, and culture, influencing each respective society immensely. I went on a day trip to Venice this Saturday and our tour guide pointed out the Ottoman influence in the architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica,  and the four horses atop it that were taken from Constantinople. Similarly, Galata Tower was built by Northern Italians, the Genoans. Although there was not necessarily outright aggression towards Ottoman societies by the Venice, they were involved in many wars, usually involving a loss on the Venetian’s part (Carboni 44). Venetian and Genoese relations with the Ottoman Empire contributed to its expansion and rise to an important global power, and rather than being two different worlds, these east and west relations both influenced and helped their respective societies as well as economies: “…the early Ottoman state needs to be seen not as something distinctly eastern as opposed to western, or viewed in the light of a western Christendom Muslim Turkish conflict, but to be understood as an integral part of the Mediterranean economy” (Fleet 11).

The Mediterranean was a contact zone, a network of trade routes and cultural influence. As commerce and exchange boomed, two major powers emerged: Constantinople and Venice, east and west. Yet it is more ambiguous than a simple two sided coin. Both sides intermingled, influenced each other through goods, art, architecture, etc., and contributed to the growth of the other despite also engaging in several wars. The relation between these two powers was a major cog in the system of Mediterranean exchange that was the center for world trade. 

Reflection 3

Delilah Sanchez

10/27/15

Making the Mediterranean

Prof. Villa

Reflection 3

Venice, being such a beautiful picturesque city, used to be one of the most powerful and influential cities aligning itself with the Ottoman Empire. In the early Byzantine times, Venice traded extensively with Constantinople forming a very important relationship between the Venetians and the Ottomans. Venice is made up of 118 islands at the northern tip of Italy, making it geographically ideal for ocean-going trade. Its trading position allowed access to Syria and Egypt. Given its location, the city did not have many natural resources. This is why they relied heavily on trade and this is how the relationship with the Ottoman Empire came to be. Venice was not the only city Gaining all the riches from this relationship, Genoa anche Became very wealthy. Even though These cities were Relatively small Compared to the enormity of the Ottoman Empire, they managed to even surpass it in power and influence. Colonies were established by Genoa in the land of the Ottomans. Venice consequential Became an exporter of wine to Constantinople and in turn received imports of spices such as black pepper and other Eastern merchandise. Due to this power, Venice was excused from paying any form of tax. 

The strong relationship between These two cities is really fascinating to me Because this meant That religion and other differences had to be overlooked in order for this interaction to be successful. The Ottoman empire essentially served as a contact zone between different These powers by connecting the mediterranean. As a result of its fall, Venice and Genoa were affected Undoubtedly. Yet by this time, both cities were high in economic power. Even so, as well as Venice, Genoa Became very successful With Their connections on trade and commerce. 

The daily life in Venice is probably no where near the life I would be portatili afford two to all the wealth surrounding it. People lived lavishly. The wealthy During the 15th through 16th century were envied by everyone Because They striving to have good living. Those who were wealthy enough Began Their investing money in land and soon Began to buy farms.Those who did not belong with the upper class were Jewish people. They were the ones who were discriminated against Constantly. In class, we saw an example of how Jews were forced out into ghettos. When out in the city, they were Obligated to wear red hats in order to separate them from the rest of the people.

Learning about Courtesans was very interesting to me Because We never associated prostitutes as high class. Yet, courtesans were the complete opposite. They were intellectual and highly respected women in Venice. When I was in visiting, our tour guide took us to bridge Titte bridge were women would go and expose Their breasts for the men. This bridge, he Compared to the red light district in Amsterdam Because it was surrounded by a building full of windows where women would strand to get the attention of men. 

Overall, Venice is truly an amazing city. I had the opportunity and pleasure to visit this past weekend. It was especially exciting Because it was the topic of conversation for this week's class. I definitely felt immersed in what I was learning in class. I could picture Venetians being fashionable people walking through the canals engaging in witty conversations and enjoying fine dining. The atmosphere gave the city allowed for this to happen lifestyle.

Week 3 Reflection

This past week’s readings we examined how the Mediterranean acted as a fluid surface for economic and social exchange. The Mediterranean was also pivotal in the political systems between Ottoman Empire, Republic of Venice, and the rest of Europe in creating alliances and prolonging rivalries. Port cities such as Venice and Istanbul played a central role in creating a communication network inside the Mediterranean region, especially the interactions between East and West. We looked at the pattern of food consumption and reflections based on travel literature to analyze the Mediterranean conflicts and connections. Furthermore, we were able to construct a vivid image of the narratives of important individuals from reports and correspondence of migrants, merchants, and ambassadors. Although these examinations provide a detailed illustration of the economic, social, and political activities of fifteenth until the eighteenth century Europe, these evaluations can give us an idea of why leaders and subjects of the time acted the way the did in times of war, peace, and great prosperity.

In The Mediterranean and Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II, Braudel explains how the Mediterranean was not only a physical unit, but also a human unit that connects towns and cities through sea, river, and land routes. These trade routes served as a means to communicate between distant communities and without these routes towns risk economic stagnation or abandonment. Braudel writes that the Mediterranean greatly relied on small boats for shipping since they were able to load goods quickly and sold their services cheaply. Although he states that large boats such as galleys were not favored in the Mediterranean trade activities, the modern world has shifted to a larger commercial trade network, especially in the Mediterranean. When I visited Venice, the port that was once lauded as the most important trading port of Europe, has modernized and expanded to accommodate the large ships and tonnage. Today, trade in Venice is not limited to the Mediterranean, but is connected with the rest of the world. Mercantilism no longer exists because individual merchants, similar to the Ottoman and Venetian merchants of the Renaissance would not be able to survive against the capitalist corporations that dominate the world economy.

In Venice and the Islamic World, Carboni writes about the love-hate relationship between Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Both the Republic and the Empire engaged in major naval battles over a span of three centuries. However, the two Mediterranean powers enjoyed long periods of peace and friendly relations on the commercial and political levels. This resulted in the exchange of Venetian and Ottoman cultures that greatly influenced the economy and society. For example, in Istanbul I saw the Levantine areas, primarily the Galata district, that were once trading and housing areas for Venetian and other European merchants. These trading areas provided economic wealth to the Ottoman Empire since the sultan’s income consisted on taxing non-Muslims subjects and accepting Venetian tributes.  During my visit in Venice this past weekend, I witnessed the Ottoman influence that once affected Venetian society. Several buildings were incorporated a few Ottoman architectural designs such as the St. Peter’s Basilica and Doge Palace. Although Venice and the Ottomans had some hostility towards each other, both were more welcoming of each other since they depended on each other for economic growth and political influence between the East and the West.

Maria Pia Pedani gives us a better picture of the close relationship between Venice and the Ottoman Imperial Palace in Safiye’s Household and Venetian Diplomacy. Pedani writes how Venetians presented pieces of furniture to members of the Ottoman imperial family as a gift to congratulate the newly engage wife-to-be. Furthermore, many Christian women went to Istanbul to join their male relatives who gained important positions in the Imperial administration. This perspective of the imperial household further supports the notion that inter-religious and inter-cultural marriages between Ottomans and Venetians were important to maintain peace between the two powers. Venetian presence in the Ottoman capital pleased the sultan because they relished on the European tributes and saw that Venetian merchants contributed to the wealth of the Empire. On the other hand, the Republic of Venice valued their peace treaty with the Ottomans because it allowed free trade between the three continents, which helped Venetians amass a great amount of wealth.    

Making Assignment #3

Nicholas Martinez

10/27/15

Reading Response #3

During the beginning part of this program, we discussed the importance of the Mediterranean, the Ottoman Empire in particular, serving as a contact zone for many different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and the religions of the empire. The material presented in the weeks classes and readings were able to validate this claim and it is interesting to discover the give-and-take relationship from the perspective of the Italians. Also, I think that it was important to talk about the Ottoman Empire in order to understand the other aspects of the Mediterranean.

            I enjoyed the Braudel’s description of the Mediterranean Sea, not only as an obstacle or barrier between lands, but also as a source of unity, transport, and a means of exchange and intercourse.  The way he described the Mediterranean itself as being formed through the movement of people really stood out to me, and I think showed very well how lives and identities in the region have historically been anything but static (201). He argues that lives and identities are fluid and that we should look into how this region was a melting pot of cultures and rituals.

            It is also important to note that large towns, which stood at crossroads, did not necessarily see growth. The crossroad simply created a change in route of transportation (228). Ultimately, large roads and the exchanges they permitted led to the gradual division of labor where cities distinguished themselves from the countryside. “The starting point of this process was commercial activity- in places like Venice, Seville, Genoa, Milan, and Marseilles in the 16^th century (229). When the division between country and city life was beginning, Venice established itself as an industrial port, regarded for banking while Genoa was regarded as the most sophisticated credit machinery of the middle Ages. By 1607 all “capitalist” activity was in the hands of Florentines who owned houses in the city and the Genoese who provided silver (Braudel 232) - between them, they controlled all exchanges.         

Yesterday, I attended the film screening of “La Grande Bellezza”. In this film, the main character, Jep, and his friends, who were part of the Roman elite, enjoyed giant parties, outrageous expositions of art, extensive meals, and the company of strippers. Yet as I watched this film, I realized that Jep was tired of his empty life and kept thinking of his past. Venetian renegades had done something similar. When they had tired of Constantinople, they moved back to Venice to rejoin their loved ones and reconverted. The lifestyle of Jep and his high class friends were much how the upper class Venetians lived. The way Venice is characterized here is comparable to the way life was portrayed in Rome in the film, “La Grande Bellezza.” “Venetian style meant fashionable people who listened to music, engaged in witty conversation, all with proper doses of theater, gambling, drinking, and fine dining” (Wright, 2000).

Finally, though I know there are differences between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean in terms of religion, art, architecture, and many other factors. It is fascinating to see how different the West and East, but made the attempt to co-mingle in the Ottoman Empire. Also, I want to investigate further how religion and nation seem to be intertwined, but at the same time nonexistent throughout these communities and how that affected the patrons of these cities.  

Week 3: Imperial Networks in the Mediterranean and Cosmopolitan

Lindsey Nguyen 

Making of the Mediterranean 

Professor Villa 

October 27, 2015

Week 3: Imperial Networks in the Mediterranean and Cosmopolitan 

The Mediterranean served as the center for economic, social, and cultural exchange during the 16th century and its influence continues to prevail around the world today. The imperial networks of ports of European city states helped facilitate the Mediterranean in becoming a huge Cosmopolitan. Italian city states such as Genoa and Venice were particularly important in their trade relationships with the Ottoman empire. During my time in Turkey, I learned that the location of port cities promoted easy access to trade commerce, and inevitably brewed intellectual exchange. The literary works that we studied this week further validated this notion. Our focus this week examines the growth of the Mediterranean trade economy, and its consequences from the Italian perceptive.

Venice was one of Italy's most flourishing, and economically driven cities. In class, it was argued that Venice was considered unique by outsiders due to is political status as a Republic. Despite having a force field as their landscape, Venetians resisted participation in political conflict or warfare. They were viewed as peculiar for their liberal ways and enamored for their extravagant lifestyles. Their lavish lifestyles were portrayed in the two films, shown in class: Shakespeare's play adaptation of The Merchants of Venice, and Dangerous Beauty. Both films depicted Venetians and their high society adorned  in silk clothing, consuming only the most expensive foods. In addition to, both films highlighted the importance of courtesans to Italy, as they were among the most influential and educated women. 

The economic wealth of Venetians was in part, credited to their relations with Constantinople. However, Wright also describes Venetian's heavy reliance on the the Ottoman Empire, so when "its population reached seven hundred thousand in the late sixteenth century, sucking up all the wheat within reach to feed this enormous population, Venice had to seek suppliers closer to home" (Wright, 260). From the historical context and perspective of Italy, their lifestyle was only affordable through the reign of the Ottoman empire. It was in the utmost interest of the Genoese to maintain their relations with the Ottomans. Fleet notes "the Genoese merchant was an integral part of the embryonic Ottoman economy, not merely as an outside factor coming, taking and leaving, but as one of the functionaries of the state, for the Genoese and other Latin merchants operated as tax farmers for the Ottomans" (Fleet, 127). Through the literary works and cinematic depictions, it is evident that there existed a symbiotic relationship between Italian city states and the Ottoman empire. 

I decided to backpack across Europe for a month before the start of my program. I spent a solid ten days living alone in a vegan hostel located right behind the Galata tower. I found the atmosphere of the area to be comforting because it resembled art districts back in San Diego. I definitely noticed the presence of westernization- my hostel provided pancakes and fresh vegan muffins every morning. To my surprise, my school center ended up being in Galata as well. The area was filled with quaint coffeehouses, which I would describe as westernized and hipster. The Galata port that I saw everyday used to be one of the largest for domestic import and exports of commodified goods. It was incredible to take a stroll through that part of history. Similarly, on my trip to Venice, I was also taken aback at the floating city. I stood at Rialto bridge, not even knowing of its historical importance. My tour guide also pointed out Ponte TIttay bridge, where the courtesans used to take post at! Walking through Florence, I definitely notice the distinguishable wealth of the people here. All in all, the culture and society of today exist because of the many exchanges taken place in the Mediterranean. 

Reaction Paper 3

During the 16^th century the Mediterranean was at the center of migration, trade and emerging businesses.  Because it was a convenient port city along the Mediterranean, Venice became known as a self-contained system of budding capitalists.

This week it was interesting to discover some of the lesser-known details that impacted Venice’s position as a global power. For example in Fernand Braudel’s “The Mediterranean” we learned that without markets and roads there would be no towns, some of which would ultimately transform into major cities. The creation of these systems of transportation was essential to moving both people and food. Similarly, bazaars became important places to sell goods, network with locals, and assimilate into the culture. This is still clearly evident in contemporary Italy where almost on a daily basis I am greeted by a small market outside of the Accent center before heading to class.

Contrary to what one might believe, it is interesting to note that large towns, which stood at crossroads, did not necessarily see growth. The crossroad simply created a change in route of transportation (228). Ultimately, large roads and the exchanges they permitted led to the gradual division of labor where cities distinguished themselves from the countryside. “The starting point of this process was commercial activity- in places like Venice, Seville, Genoa, Milan, and Marseilles in the 16^th century (229). When the division between country and city life was beginning, Venice established itself as an industrial port, regarded for banking while Genoa was regarded as the most sophisticated credit machinery of the middle Ages. By 1607 all “capitalist” activity was in the hands of Florentines who owned houses in the city and the Genoese who provided silver (Braudel 232) - between them, they controlled all exchanges.

Also important to note is that “in the 16^th century, political change destroyed the old independence of the city-state, undermined foundations of its traditional economy and created imposing new structures” (233). The increase in the number of people living in the area created a serious famine. The spread of the Plague and a lack of wheat (a staple of the Italian diet) didn’t help the situation either. Urban famine was much more common in cities than for those in the country who had greater access to food from their farms. Again, with the rise of cities, the number of immigrants increased greatly. Although these people were often subjected to much criticism, they brought with them new skills in various fields, including in the kitchen.

Regarding Turkey, the year 1453 saw the fall of Constantinople and not surprisingly lots of economic difficulties ensued. While large banking systems remained driving forces of city expansion, people were forced to adapt to less comfortable lifestyles. During this time in the 16^th century, Venetian interactions with Turks would develop thanks largely to trade. A key item in these exchanges was coffee, which we learned a lot about during our time in Istanbul. According to Carboni’s “Venice and the Islamic World” “Turks and Venetians both shared a reputation for tolerance and a fairly liberal welcome for persecuted religious minorities, such as Protestants and Jews driven out of Spain, who brought their capital and skills to the Ottoman Empire” (50). Therefore it is easier to understand why Venetian merchants were well received in Constantinople and Smyrna and the empire continued to supply the Republic with raw silk, cotton, coral and especially grains. Turkey steadily integrated into Europe’s trade network into the Enlightenment era.

Reaction Paper Three

Alonso Lopez

Professor Villa

27 October 2015

Making the Mediterranean—Reaction Paper #3

            This week we assessed the role of city-states and territorial states in creating a communication network through the Mediterranean, using the Mediterranean as a contact zone for economic and social exchange. In class we discussed the role of Genoa, Venice and Constantinople/Istanbul in establishing this contact zone through trade routes and trading colonies. For example, “Genoa’s first empire was essentially composed of trading colonies. She had sent settlers beyond Constantinople, to the edge of the Byzantine empire, to Kaffa, Tana, Soldaia, and Trebizond…Tabarka, on the North African coast…was to be another [trading colony], draining away to Genoa the fabulous rewards of coral fishing…Ten, twenty, or thirty of these colonies were scattered all around the Mediterranean” (Braudel 1996: 249). Bringing the Ottoman Empire into context, Kate Fleet focuses on the trading partnership between the Genoese and the Turks, demonstrating how this interaction contributed to the economic development of the early Ottoman state and its territorial expansion (2006). As discussed, in class, the 15^th century marks a point in time in which city-states weakened due to lack of manpower and financial support to afford a strong army, food for its people, etc. As we see the fall of Constantinople in 1453 with the rise of the Ottoman territorial expansion, the 15^th century also marks a point in which territorial states rise in power.

            With territorial expansion as one factor of Ottoman interaction within the Mediterranean, we see how Venice, Genoa, and Istanbul become the greatest cities of the Mediterranean during the 14^th to 15^th centuries. Another theme for this week’s material was the political system of alliances and rivalries that arose from this network: the Mediterranean was the sum of its routes and often a tale of triumph of one route or port city over another (Wright 1999). Venice, however, proved to be the undisputed center of the Mediterranean world during the 14^th and 15^th centuries through its money, bills of exchange, fabrics, food, spices, etc (Lecture week 3, day 2). With the Genoese as one of its rivals, Venice had initially only taken part of the crusades to prevent all the spoils going to them (Carboni 2007: 43). Turning back to the aspect of territorial expansion as a key factor in Ottoman-Venetian interaction, “The two empires shared a long frontier because the Republic of Venice had built its maritime state upon all its Mediterranean possessions conquered from the Byzantines—which thenceforth bordered, given Ottoman expansion, Turkish lands subject to the sultan” (Carboni 2007: 43-44). However, with such interaction and ultimately, cultural exchange, through trade, there also came disputes: “the Turks obstinately nibbled away at Venetian islands and shores; Venice was ultimately embroiled in six naval and land wars, with varying outcomes that usually resulted in further losses for Venetian territory” (Carboni 2007: 44). Despite such turmoil, one must not neglect the strong Venetian presence that existed in the Islamic world, as well as the strong Ottoman presence within Venice, which can still be seen today through art and architecture.

            I would like to conclude with personal observations that I have collected during my stay in Florence as well as my visit to Venice two weekends ago. Upon my arrival to Florence, I was destined to first make my way to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, what is in my opinion, its most known and beautiful landmark. I could not get over its immense dome that in turn dominates its skyline, something that I characterize as an essential element to religious Christian structures. On the other hand, when I finally reached the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, I did not get the same Christian religious feeling from its architecture for it did not have one dominating dome with a cross on top but, instead, several fairly sized domes compiling its skyline, something that I characterize as an essential Islamic characteristic. It was not until I stepped inside the Basilica that I finally reacted with a Christian feeling for the environment. This is a clear symbol of the Ottoman-Venetian interaction and cultural exchange that took place in the 14^th-16^th centuries through elements like renegades and more.

Homework Response Week 3

Sindy Mercado

October 27, 2015

Professor Cristina Villa

Homework Response #3

            The early Mediterranean epitomizes a region of intense migration, the shifting and fluidity of identities and most importantly exemplifies the significant interaction and influence between Italian cities (Genoa and Venice) to the Ottoman Empire. Metaphorically and figuratively, the Mediterranean symbolized a highway of routes, movements of goods and people, and the exchange of economic and cultural ideas and beliefs through a period of time in which cities were dominating the economic interconnection of empires. The Mediterranean as Clifford Wright would argue, symbolized the beginning of a powerful empire that was dominated by La Serenissima (Venice), La Supernova (Genoa), and the sublime Porte (Istanbul) and became “the greatest cities of the Mediterranean” during the fourteenth through the sixteenth century (1999: 252). Both cities, Genoa and Venice became significant because of their trade relations with the Ottoman Empires and regions beyond the empire.

            During this period, Genoa developed into one of the Maritime Republics along with the city of Venice, where trade, shipbuilding and banking supported one of the largest and most powerful navies in the Mediterranean. Genoa’s empire was based on her trading colonies that stretched beyond the Ottoman Empire, on to the Byzantine Empire and Sicily. Genoa’s trade provided profits such as wheat, silk and spice. Genoa, however, was most regarded for her its location as being the world center for the distribution of American silver (1999: 253). Genoa and Venice were both cities that were able to exploit the world through their commodities and city’s commercial connections.

            Venice became a wealthy and superior leading city-state thanks to the trade connections with the Ottoman Empire. Venetians exported commodities like wine and other luxurious items such as soap, gems, aromatic gum used for chewing, wine—as a symbol of wealth—and clothes. Venice symbolized the city of fashion and lavish lifestyle as Venetians began purchasing land to build villas for the noble men and later became the symbol of trading power. Venice symbolized a joyful region Serene Republic that portrayed Venetians as people who were liberal, enjoyed every moment of their life, listened and interacted in conversations and established a sense of fashion in the 16^th century. These characteristics set this city-state apart from others who considered it a strange place. Its sense of fashion, common interactions and feasts were portrayed in paintings. Venice’s abundance of luxury during this century forced the establishment of laws that limited their excess of wealth in efforts to create a balance between the rich and the poor. Although Venice reached a heightened point of importance in the trading connections with other regions, it soon faced a series of problems that eventually contributed to her decline.

            About three weeks ago, I had the pleasure and opportunity to visit Venice, a city full of rich history and influence in the Mediterranean region. Although I would have wished to learn of its importance sooner than my visit, I am able to make better connections of their art and architecture to their historical and influential past. In an attempt to follow directions and navigate myself to my hotel using the map, I lost my sense of direction and wound up in what was labeled as the “Jewish community” which I found strange at the time. Now having learned about the Jewish significance to Venice’s history, it’s interesting to see the way that the Jewish community was barricaded, separated and clearly identified from the rest of the Venetians. On another note, it was definitely interesting to see how liberal and different Venice was in comparison to the other cities at the time. Nowadays, it is one of the most visited cities but in a recent article published in the web, it explains and shows (with images) the detrimental effects Venice is facing as a result of their underwater building conditions caused by rainy weather. The constant flooding of the canals and the high tides have weakened the foundations of these buildings whose repair is costly for the majority of residents living there. A solution for these locals is to move out of Venice and search for a city where they feel safe.  Over the past years, the population has decreased significantly and although tourism is effective and important for the maintenance of the city, the locals are moving out. This is extremely sad after having learned about the rich, happy and vibrant culture that once surrounded the famous city of Venice.

The question that the article points to is whether there will be a Venice in 50 years?

Week 3 Reflection

Adrian Barrios

27, October, 2015

Making the Mediterranean

Venice and the Ottoman Empire

Colonization. A word that rings barbaric genocides driven by strong motives to conquer and rule lands that would soon be wrongfully captured is subconsciously dismissed by certain groups. On one hand you have strong nations expanding over large lands, and on the other hand you have cultures that were compromised and even entirely erased. While this is a discussion that deserves adequate dissection, my focus is on the implicit cultural clashes and take overs that occur when nations openly trade with one another. Through lecture and our readings we have learned that Venice and Genoa were, although physically small, giant commercial traders with the Ottoman Empire. In Istanbul when discussing Western trade with the Ottoman Empire, much of the narrative revolved around how the West appropriated only desirable parts of Eastern Culture. In Italy, with our focus on Venice as a leading city in trade, the narrative focuses on the liberating opportunities the East presented.

What I found most interesting about our discussions on the static commercial interchanges between Western and Eastern culture is that it allowed people to also exchange lifestyles. At first, I was stunned at the leniency present when people chose to convert religions. Secondly, I was surprised that people were willfully converting to Muslims. At this moment, I find it important to recognize that this reaction is drawn from subconscious biases engrained in me that present Eastern culture and religions as oppressive entities. Despite my personal reaction, it was evident that Christians and Muslims were two prominent people active in this trade. The exchanges between these two religions essentially created two opportunities for the same person. Men and women were allowed to convert between the two religions and live two separate lives on two separate lands. Motives to convert ranged from having more power and influence to having multiple intimate partners. Despite the motive, upon returning to their first land knowledge of the other life was brought back with them. These constant exchanges further created a melting pot in Venice.

 Venice had a strange dynamic in which it was presented as a culturally diverse and free lives, but was also home to ghettoization and brutal oppression. The aforementioned personal biases manufacturing predefined notions of the East distract me from recognizing that the West has a long history of intolerance for nonconforming cultures. While Venice was geographically in between the East and the West, it still very much received the benefits of trade that most Western nations do. Venice being the center of trade in the Mediterranean was the recipient of high levels of wealth. The Venetian lifestyle became a life of art, literature, fashion, entertainment, fine dining, and more. What I found most interesting about the Venetian lifestyle is the presence, importance, and soon hatred of courtesans. Courtesans were prostitutes that were granted certain privileges over other women: specifically access to the library and knowledge. As in any case, there was a range of courtesans from the valued educate ones, to the ones that were used primarily for male pleasure which were of course less valued. While courtesans played a vital role in shaping Venetian culture, religious influence deemed these women that soon antagonized these women as witches calling for their death. While Venice benefited economically from trade in the Mediterranean, it was left behind with a mixed culture and landscape as trade with the New World rose.

Lastly and coincidentally, my set trip to Venice this past Saturday lined up perfectly with lecture as we deeply analyzed Venice’s role in Mediterranean trade. As I arrived in Venice there were endless boats moving through the water transporting everything. As I entered a water taxi and drove through the Grand Canal, a mosque captured my mosque. On our walking tour, we stopped at the Piazza San Marco and saw the Ottoman influence on the Basilica di San Marco. Overall, it was a rewarding experience visiting Venice with this knowledge.