1. Biography of the Turkish Diplomat Kantouzen
2. Suspicious Mission and Tragic Demise

Biography of the Turkish Diplomat Kantouzen

Early Life and Diplomatic Career

Born into the prestigious Kantakuzenos family in Constantinople, Kantouzen was the son of Andronicus who was executed in 1595. Embarking on a diplomatic career, he undertook several missions to Russia as an emissary of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1621, Kantouzen traveled to Moscow on behalf of Sultan Osman II, proposing an alliance against the Polish king. Six years later, in 1627, he returned as the ambassador of Murad IV with a similar proposal and a request to curb the attacks of the Don Cossacks on Ottoman territories. In 1630, he made another visit to Russia with similar objectives.

Suspicious Mission and Tragic Demise

In 1636, Kantouzen set out from Constantinople on an ostensibly diplomatic mission to Russia. However, it is believed that his true purpose was to engage in trading activities. Accompanied by the Russian interpreter Bukolov, he traveled through the Don River territory.

Tragically, his journey came to an abrupt end when he was captured by Cossacks. Accusing him of hostility towards the Don Cossack community, they sentenced him to death. In June 1637, Kantouzen was invited to a circle of Cossacks and brutally murdered.

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