Replica of Republic of Ragusa’s consulate plaque donated to Dubrovnik

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman attended the donation ceremony of a replica of the plaque of the Republic of Ragusa’s consulate in Istanbul, dating back to 1720, to the City of Dubrovnik

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman attended the donation ceremony of a replica of the plaque of the Republic of Ragusa’s consulate in Istanbul, dating back to 1720, to the City of Dubrovnik. Also in attendance were Culture and Media Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković, Consul General to Istanbul Ivana Zerec, as well as representatives of the Beyoglu Municipality Kübra Gülal and Yusuf Ulutaş.

Addressing the event, Grlić Radman reflected on the rich diplomatic history of the Republic of Ragusa. “The Republic’s diplomatic acumen was evident in its skill to be simultaneously ambitious and realistic, enterprising and careful, open, but focused on its freedom,” the minister said, thanking Beyoglu for this valuable donation.

The original plaque from 1720 was uncovered a few months ago in Beyoglu, where the Republic of Ragusa’s consulate was located. Beyoglu decided to donate the plaque’s replica to Dubrovnik, the two being sister cities since 2015. This initiative was launched by Croatia’s Consulate General to Istanbul and approved by the Turkish Ministry of Culture.

Luka Chirico (born 1679 in Dubrovnik, died 1749 in Istanbul) was the Republic of Ragusa’s consul to Istanbul and the first English dragoman. Chirico set up the consulate in 1720, at the palace where he lived with his family. The Republic of Ragusa’s consulate to Istanbul was established as early as 1688.

 

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