Rowing diplomacy

In the 16th century, a diplomatic mission to the court of Elizabeth I of England was conducted by the crew of a rowing boat. The crew was made up of four representatives of the Ottoman Sultan, and they were sent to negotiate a potential alliance between the two empires. The mission was successful, and the crew was invited to dine with the Queen, who was so impressed by the crew’s skill in rowing that she presented them with a fine new boat. The boat was later presented as a gift to the Sultan as a sign of the friendship between the two empires. This example of rowing diplomacy set the tone for a peaceful and prosperous relationship between Elizabeth I and the Ottoman Empire that lasted for centuries.