Conclusion

Abstract

Turkish-French relations have always been important, but also fragile and problem- atic at the same time. Starting in 1536 with Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnif- icent’s letter to French King François I (Francis I), Turkish-French relations have since been characterized not only by both positive feelings like admiration, friend- liness, and cooperation but also negative feelings, such as jealousy, hostility, and competition. So, while the Ottoman State established important diplomatic, political, economic, and cultural ties with France, in many periods, the two empires engaged in harsh competition and even military campaigns against each other.