BETWEEN ENMITY, RIVALRY AND ALLIANCE: HALF A CENTURY OF THE SWEDISH- OTTOMAN RELATIONS
BETWEEN ENMITY, RIVALRY AND ALLIANCE: HALF A CENTURY OF THE SWEDISH- OTTOMAN RELATIONS

Summary/Abstract: The paper explores the changing nature of the relations between Sweden and the Ottoman Empire in the seventeenth century while paying particular attention to half a century of contacts between two countries. Characteristics that marked interaction between these states are examined primarily through Swedish links and cooperation with the Principality of Transylvania and its Protestant Princes during and after the Thirty Years War, and especially with its ruling family Rakoczi. Th e paper also looks at Swedish policy towards the Ottoman Empire as followed by desires of some of its rulers to establish a military alliance or to pouch into the Ottoman sphere of interest. Furthermore, the attitude of one of the Swedish most famous rulers, Queen Christina’s, towards the Ottoman Empire will be regarded. Christina’s relation during her queenship towards Rakoczi, and her dealings with the Habsburgs, with whom Sweden waged the Thirty Years War will be discussed. Also, the paper will engage Christina’s continuous anti-Ottoman policy and its influence on the diplomacy and politics of the European powers in the years aft er her abdication so that a more comprehensive picture of Swedish-Ottoman relations can be achieved.

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