Michele Membré (1509–1595)

He arrived in Venice from Cyprus, claiming to have Circassian parents. During the Ottoman- Venetian War of 1537-40, he was sent to Tabriz to try to form an alliance with the Safavid Shah Tahmasp; his account of this journey is what he is known for. He returned via India and Spain, in Valladolid presenting Charles V with forged letters from the Shah; his later life was turbulent (he drew up 34 wills, and a nephew tried to murder him).