ABSTRACT
In the seventeenth century, the operas and the balli themselves reflect Venetian attitudes toward the Moors and the Turks. Venice has been at the crossroads of many cultures through commerce, war, and tourism. Foreign residents enjoyed the possibility of creating a secure life, and in return they contributed both economically and culturally to the city. While Venetian policy towards foreigners was remarkably open when compared with other European governments, there were still many restrictions, based on nationality and religion, as well as economic class. The relationship of the Venetian Republic with the Moors was a complex one, balancing conflicting interests of politics, trade, and religion. This ballo is one of a handful of Moorish dances for which music survives. The presence of Turks in Venice goes back to the early years of the Republic, and the Turkish population of the city became quite large towards the end of the sixteenth century.
