Your journey to the Near East is going to be risky. However, the rewards are substantial. Be prepared for experiencing firsthand two neighboring cultures colliding head on. The colliding differences are likely to hinder your ambitions, but do not be discouraged as it is possible to partake in profitable business in this area. Beware of the differences between Muslims and Christians during your travels. Please see below for the details to follow which may be helpful in your travels eastbound in anticipation of dealing with the Ottomans.

Key Summarized Points that should be followed or experienced if applicable:

• Turkish males have a dress code – Turban, sash, boots and a sword or knife. Be sure to take note of this.
• Women also have a dress code too; they must cover themselves with veils. Do not be alarmed and try your best to act natural when you see this.
• There is a major difference in weather that makes people live longer than those back in Venice. Hey, maybe you will wind up staying in the Ottoman East in your old age!
• Unlike Venice, the Ottomans have access to delicious fresh fruits. Indulge in these and enjoy. If there is an opportunity to earn profits on fruits by all means take advantage of the opportunity.
• The Sultan is in command. With that, the pashas are loyal and second in command to Sultan. Be sure to abide by the local regulations and laws otherwise you will run into a great deal of trouble.

Briefly highlighted above are some general key points which you will notice upon your arrival and exploration of the Ottoman East. Be prepared to meet people from all walks of life in Ottoman city as it is economically booming.  Locals will include, but are not limited to fisherman, soldiers, scholars, handicraftsmen and soldier. This is where you will achieve your business aspirations. Seeing people who do not resemble your ethnic background is by no means a big deal; do not make a fuss over this. Locals know it is more common for Christian merchants to attempt to conduct business with Ottomans than it is for an Ottoman to seek out business with Christian Europeans. My good friend, the merchant of Venice – you’re not in Venice, anymore. With that, you will notice from your surroundings that Ottoman city is very powerful in terms of military.

Carrying on with this idea of military power, Ottoman government operates a bit different than the European republic-style governments that you are accustomed to seeing at home. All of the judicial rulings are ruled directly under the authority of the Sultan or his local subordinate and with the Sultan’s judgement. Noted, rulings are based entirely on the discretion of the Sultan or these other authorized authoritative figures which means rulings can be inconsistent. My friend, avoid any legal trouble at all costs as business and trade will be the least of your worries I promise you. Noted, the rulings are actually well maintained so you have that on your side.

I would go so far to argue that the biggest difference you will see in Ottoman East is the presence of their religion. Everywhere you will see mosques; this is a Muslim place of worship. Distinct in their architecture you will know a mosque when you see a mosque. Look up in the sky and see large domes on top of magnificent structures – you guessed it, that’s a mosque. Five times daily streets be prepared to hear Islamic prayers bouncing off the walls in every street of the city from local leaders of worship, or Imam. This is not terribly different from Christianity in Venice except you are a foreign so this may seem odd to you. Just as you have your own ideas and beliefs and other Venetians, so to the Ottomans.

In summary, if you take the preceding writings into consideration you will thrive in the Near East. With careful action, thought, and adherence and acceptance of local laws and customary beliefs you will find yourself to enjoy the East rather much. Be well, good luck, and enjoy the fruit.