“The ancient customs shall not be changed”. Continuity of Trade and Security in Veneto-Mamluk Diplomatic Practice: the Safe conduct

Throughout the 15th century, commercial agreements between Venice and the Mamluk Sultanate were periodically renewed, reaffirming “ancient customs” agreed by previous rulers that ensured Venetian merchants’ safety for trade. These securities, however, were often challenged by trade disputes and conflicts between debtors and creditors. In response to merchant petitions, sultans could reassert these customs, forbidding innovations that altered established terms. This paper examines the tension between the “ancient customs” and the innovations of the present day. As well as the diplomatic practices that regulated these aspects of trade and safety, including an unpublished safe conduct issued by the Mamluk chancery in 1418 to re-affirm these conditions.