Since the establishment of the Ottoman Empire, diplomacy was a significant tool for inter-tribal and inter-state relations. As a part of diplomatic strategy, Ottoman sultans married daughters of chiefs of other tribes or monarchs of the Byzantine Empire. Main objectives of this strategy were developing friendly relations with other states and expanding territories through obtaining new lands as dowry. On the other hand, in the heydays of the Ottoman Empire, its relations with foreign states were not based on mutuality, but on unilaterality. This system was known as the Âman (Mercy) System. Âman was the privilege or immunity granted by the sultan to foreigners or non-Muslims. This system which protected the rights of non-Muslims within the boundaries of the empire was unilaterally granted by the Ottomans. (Turan, 26)

In addition, Âman system constituted the basis of treaties and agreements signed between the Ottomans and foreign states. In accordance with the principles of this system, Ottomans signed treaties and armistice with foreign states for no more than ten years, so they were temporary agreements rather than permanent ones due to the ghaza policy derived from the Islamic dogma. However, this does not mean that the empire was in a permanent war with foreigners or non-Muslims, but it was used as a leverage to expand its territories and reach its objectives. On the other hand, these Âmans and treaties with foreign states were controlled and approved by Sheikh-ul Islam (the head of religious affairs). When the Ottoman Empire was powerful, the basic criteria for these Âmans and treaties was the interests of the state and its subjects. Âmans and treaties against the interests of the state were ruled out by the Sheikh-ul Islam. For example, despite an agreement between the Ottoman Empire and Venice on the basis of Âmans, with the fatwa of Sheikh-ul Islam Ebussuud Efendi, the empire launched an attack to Cyprus in 1570. This shows the pragmatism of Ottoman rulers which affected their foreign relations and diplomacy. (İskit, 147)