Examining the Relationship Between the Ottoman Empire and the Ming Dynasty Through the Ancient Record "Ming Shilu"

Abstract

This article studies the historical relationship between the Ottoman Empire and the Ming Dynasty through the analysis of ancient documents, particularly Ming Shilu, with a focus on exploring the Ming Dynasty's perception of the Ottoman Empire as the representative of the Islamic world. The study finds that Ming Shilu recorded information about the Ottoman Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries, using five different names for the empire: Lùmí, Róng, Róngdì, Róngdìmian, and Rou-mi. It also recorded the names of two Ottoman sultans: Sultan Murad II and Sultan Suleiman I. The study further identifies ambiguities in the use of terminology, reflecting the differing perceptions and views of the Ming court toward the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, Islamic sources and ancient maps, such as the Menggu Shanshui Dìtú and the Xiyù Tudì Rénwùtú, are used to clarify the ambiguities and discrepancies in the recorded data. The findings enhance the understanding of the relationship between China and the Ottoman Empire in terms of diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange, while also emphasizing the important role of Chinese government documents in recording the relationships between states and global powers in the ancient world.