ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the different perspectives from which Busbequius looked at the Turks. This allows one to make distinctions that not only throw a new light on his writing, but also on what he saw as the main obstacle for a lasting settlement with the Turks. Close scrutiny of Busbequius's life and writings has made it possible to discern at least half a dozen perspectives from which the author had looked at Turkish society before, during and after his stay in Constantinople. Feelings of apprehension had inspired Busbequius to write his Exclamatio, and they again played a significant role in the Turkish letters. Consequently, many features of the Turks became less 'strange' to him. For this reason, it is justifiable to speak of his 'fleeting' concept of Otherness with regard to the Turks. The writings of Augerius Busbequius are a case in point.
