The Significance of the Written Word in European–Mamlūk Diplomatic Missions

ABSTRACT The article addresses the use of the written language in relations between European states and the Mamlūk sultanate (Egypt-Syria, 1250–1517), focusing on chancery sources relating to diplomatic missions to Cairo. In the first part, the author presents an overview of the documents that marked the various stages of embassies to the sultan’s court (authorities’ instructions, cover letters, safe-conducts, Mamlūk chancery documents, etc.). By analysing the nature of these sources, the article aims to show their utility for the purpose of diplomatic interaction. In the second part, the study focuses on the significance of the written language, examining in particular the relationship between the rhetoric of the diplomatic discourse and its actual usefulness. In dealing with some specific aspects of the chancery instruments (commercial clauses, religious issues), the article highlights the active force of the written word in keeping diplomatic dialogue alive despite all the possible differences or contrasts.