I am very happy to announce to our esteemed readers the publication of my novel *Fondaco dei Turchi* by Editions Muse, July 2024.
The idea to write this novel was inspired by a long article about Venice and its districts back in 2004. Since then, I have been able to carry out well-documented research and imagine the outline of a story set in the future, while drawing enough ideas and lessons from the declining past of the Ottoman Empire to move forward.
The novel, as it is published today, has been reworked: I added and removed passages, and I changed one of the main narrative threads because, upon rereading the novel, I realized that I needed to deepen my understanding of the Venetian-Ottoman relations of that period. I delved deeply into the history of the *Fondaco dei Turchi*, the arrival of Greek merchants of Ottoman nationality, and how the rivalry between the powerful Ottoman neighbor and the Republic of Venice set the tone for the East-West dialogue.
Even though the relationship between the two sides was tense, there were periods of détente, coexistence, and commercial exchange. The Venetian authorities, very protective of their independence, wanted to maintain good relations with their powerful neighbor without conceding anything essential. As it declined, the Ottoman Empire was eventually forced, towards the end of its reign, to abandon its warehouse at the Arsenal in Venice and focus on preserving the little influence it still had left.
It is up to readers to discover the theme of the novel. Whoever reads, lives — and I am determined to go all the way in this writing adventure. Writing is an act of resistance against the surrounding mediocrity, and all it takes is perseverance to continue this fascinating journey.
*Fondaco dei Turchi*, Novel, Editions Muse, 148 pages, July 2024
**Purchase links:**
[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Fondaco-Turchi-French-Afaf-Aniba/dp/6207811607)
[Exlibris](https://www.exlibris.ch/fr/livres/livres-francais/afaf-aniba/fondaco-dei-turchi/id/9786207811601/?srsltid=AfmBOormaO-gi4wtQeXWqJ4gzM9uh-qJRsp3Aj36fJ4C92S8TMWWQLHA)
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Would you like me to create a more polished, literary version of this translation suitable for promotion or publishing?
