In a watershed moment in European diplomacy, Francis came to an understanding with the Ottoman Empire that developed into a Franco-Ottoman alliance. The objective for Francis was to find an ally against the House of Habsburg. The pretext used by Francis was the protection of the Christians in Ottoman lands. The alliance has been called "the first nonideological diplomatic alliance of its kind between a Christian and non-Christian empire". It did, however, cause quite a scandal in the Christian worldMiller, p. 2 and was designated "the impious alliance", or "the sacrilegious union of the [French] Lily and the [Ottoman] Crescent." Nevertheless, it endured for many years, since it served the objective interests of both parties. The two powers colluded against Charles V, and in 1543 they even combined for a joint naval assault in the siege of Nice.
In a watershed moment in European diplomacy Francis came to an understanding with the Ottoman Empire that developed into a Franco-Ottoman alliance The objective for Francis was to find an ally against the House of Habsburg The pretext used by Francis was the protection of the Christians in Ottoman lands The alliance has been called "the first nonideological diplomatic alliance of its kind between a Christian and non-Christian empire" It did however cause quite a scandal in the Christian worldMiller p 2 and was designated "the impious alliance" or "the sacrilegious union of the [French] Lily and the [Ottoman] Crescent" Nevertheless it endured for many years since it served the objective interests of both parties The two powers colluded against Charles V and in 1543 they even combined for a joint naval assault in the siege of Nice