About

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SAFVEN aims to explore a largely neglected subject – the significance of symbolic communication, ritual and ceremony in Safavid-Venetian diplomatic relations and a material dimension of the Safavid-Venetian diplomatic encounters, which is essential for a better understanding of cross-cultural interactions between two empires. Exploring Safavid and Venetian diplomatic practices will provide insights into understanding of the positions of these powers in early modern international hierarchy; functioning of different diplomatic cultures, the nature of relations between these polities. Through studying ‘transcultural’ intermediaries (ambassadors, interpreters) in mediating political, diplomatic and cultural relations between the Safavid Empire and Venice, the project aims to provide new insights into understanding on how they managed to deal with and connect these two different cultures. The research can also help us to understand whether and to what extend the legacies of symbols and the symbolic value of objects in early modern encounters continue to be present in current European and Middle East diplomatic practices and negotiating styles.

Host Institution: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

Research Fellow: Dr. Ahmad Guliyev

Supervisor: Prof. Simone Cristoforetti