The Genoese of Pera in the
Fifteenth Century
Draperio and Spinola Families
F. Özden Mercan
Genoese Policy during the Siege of Constantinople,
Most honored brothers from Genoa, courageous and illustrious warriors! You
are aware and know that this city was not only mine but yours for too many
reasons. You have often assisted her willingly in hours of need and have de-
livered her from her enemies, the sons of Hagar. Once again it is time to dem-
onstrate your love in Christ, your bravery and your excellence in her cause.Byzantine emperor Constantine XI uttered these words to the Genoese of Pera
in his public speech on the eve of the conquest of Constantinople. Soon after, the
city was besieged and lost to the Ottomans. To what extent the Genoese “broth-
ers” strove for the defense of the city remains a question. Contemporary sources
make conflicting remarks about the position of the Genoese community during
the conquest. According to Niccolò Barbaro, a Venetian eyewitness, the Genoese
betrayed their Christian faith and spied for the Ottomans “to show themselves
friendly to the Turkish sultan.” On the other hand, another contemporary wit-
ness, Michael Doukas, argues, “The compelling thought that if the city fell, their
fortress would become desolate had also occurred to them [the Genoese]. Con-
sequently, they dispatched letters to Genoa pleading for assistance.” A ship with
troops was sent from Genoa to help the Genoese in Pera. Moreover, Giovanni
Giustiniani-Longo, from a noble Genoese family, was appointed as the general
commander of the Byzantine army and stood next to Emperor Constantine in
the defense of the city.
But a month before the conquest, the Genoese of Pera had sent ambassadors
to Sultan Mehmed II in Adrianople, “declaring their genuine friendship with
him and renewing past treaties.” While the sultan confirmed his friendship with
the Genoese, he also warned them not to give support to the Byzantines in the
defense of the city. The ambassadors made their promise; yet during the siege