Mediterranean Superpowers: The Ottoman-Venetian Wars in a historical and artistic context (040647-WS 23/24)

Until the late fourteenth century, the Republic of Venice held an unrivaled position as the dominant maritime power in the Mediterranean. However, its hegemony was challenged by the rapidly expanding Ottoman Empire, which emerged as the primary adversary of the Serenissima, progressively capturing its vital overseas colonies known as the Stato da Màr. Since their first encounter in the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396, and especially from 1463 to 1718 the two superpowers engaged in a series of military conflicts and fought seven major wars. These wars represent a significant chapter in Mediterranean history with profound implications for the cultural production of the region.

In this course we will examine the Ottoman-Venetian wars in their historical and cultural context, aiming to trace their impact on the cultural and artistic production of the early modern Mediterranean, Adriatic, Balkan, and Ottoman societies. Through the combined analysis of historiographical sources and visual material, we will assess a vast body of cultural representations, texts, and practices that emerged from these conflicts, ranging from architectural monuments, paintings, and sculptures to epic poetry and music. On one hand, we will explore the various responses of the Venetians to their victories and defeats against the Ottomans over the centuries, which profoundly shaped European perceptions of the Turkish “Other.” Additionally, we will observe how contact with Venice influenced Ottoman art and culture, as well as the fashioning of the Ottoman imperial image. Throughout the semester, participants will become familiar with significant moments and battles that shaped the Venetian and Ottoman empires, and they will learn to identify key monuments and artworks from the respective cultures. Furthermore, by analyzing the intertwining of history and art, participants will be able to assess the role of war, migration, and diplomacy in the transformation of cultural identities and the circulation of artistic trends, as well as stereotypes.