Searching for allies? : the role of the Crimean Khanate and Persia in the policy of John III Sobieski towards the Ottoman Empire (1674-1696)

Bibliogr. s. 343-345. Artykuł powstał dzięki finansowaniu z grantu NCN nr 2017/27/B/HS3/00151 "«Wielka i Mała Rozbieżność» widziane przez szkła korporacji: mieszkańcy Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej w Azji w XVII wieku", kierowanego przez prof. dr. hab. Dariusza Kołodziejczyka

This paper discusses the role of the Crimean Khanate and the Safavid Persia in Polish-Ottoman relations during the reign of King John III Sobieski (1674-1696). It is striking that the Polish ruler repeatedly invited the Crimean khan and the Persian shah to join the anti-Ottoman coalition. Notwithstanding numerous letters and envoys dispatched by Sobieski, the Crimean Khanate remained a loyal ally to the Sublime Porte, while Persia denied to take part in the conflict. Sobieski's political plans in reference to Persia, which resulted in numerous embassies sent to the shah, increased opportunities of Polish missionaries to minister in this country. An especially interesting project of founding a Polish mission in Northern Persia in order to minister to the Caucasian tribes was created by a Polish Jesuit, Ignacy Zapolski. Yet, after the death of Sobieski, Zapolski's idea, which gained very limited support of the Commonwealth, could not be turned into reality.