Which of the following best describes why Mehmed II continued to trade with the Genoese despite their alliance with the Byzantines?(1 point)
Responses
Genoa was also a Muslim kingdom and its similar faith made it a natural ally.
Genoa was also a Muslim kingdom and its similar faith made it a natural ally.
They were already trading partners.
They were already trading partners.
The Genoese betrayed the Byzantines, so the Ottomans trusted them.
The Genoese betrayed the Byzantines, so the Ottomans trusted them.
Mehmed II understood the importance and benefits of maintaining trade with the Genoese, just as the Byzantines understood.
Mehmed II understood the importance and benefits of maintaining trade with the Genoese, just as the Byzantines understood.
The correct answer is: Mehmed II understood the importance and benefits of maintaining trade with the Genoese, just as the Byzantines understood.
To determine the best answer, we need to evaluate each option.
Option 1 suggests that Genoa being a Muslim kingdom made it a natural ally for Mehmed II. However, this is not a valid reason as Genoa was not a Muslim kingdom.
Option 2 states that they were already trading partners. This is a plausible reason, as trade relationships are often built on mutual benefits and existing partnerships.
Option 3 suggests that the Genoese betrayed the Byzantines, so the Ottomans trusted them. However, this is not supported by historical evidence.
Option 4 proposes that Mehmed II understood the importance and benefits of maintaining trade with the Genoese, similar to the Byzantines. This is a valid reason, as trade relationships are often based on economic and strategic considerations, regardless of other political alliances.
Therefore, the best answer is option 2: They were already trading partners. This is supported by the fact that trade relationships often continue based on mutual benefits and prior commercial ties.