Secret relationship between Elizabeth I and the Ottoman Empire

For Elizabeth I and the Ottoman Empire, the existence of common enemies transformed them into powerful allies. This bond reshaped global trade and laid the foundation of an empire.

Elizabeth I first presented a proposal for a commercial and diplomatic alliance to Murad III in 1579 by sending a letter. In this letter, she explained in detail how both countries faced similar threats from Spain and the Papal apparatus, but through mutual cooperation could establish a profitable relationship that would strengthen the monarchy, economy, and overall standing of each in Europe.

Beyond shared enemies, Elizabeth I argued that their alliance was not only practical (pragmatic), but also theologically justified. She claimed that Sunni Islam and Protestantism shared a fundamental belief in the condemnation of idolatry; a belief that, in her view, was overlooked in Catholic tradition through the use of priests and saints for intercession with God.

Accounts from the Ottoman court describe the details of Murad III's astonishment at receiving such a bold proposal from a female queen. After the map was shown to Murad III and England's location was clarified for him, he became fascinated by this small country and its ability to survive, even while besieged by Catholic enemies.. Murad

# Reading History | Secret Relations Between Elizabeth I and the Ottoman Empire