Othello: The War

I find it odd that this war between the Italians and Turks isn't quite ringing any bells with me. I don't remember ever learning about a war like this in history classes, though I'm sure that it did actually happen.  Also, it is a little strange to me that the Italians would hire a Moor as a commander in their army.  What is the reason for Othello, the Moor's, allegiances to Italy.  He did discuss being a slave and I wonder if he was enslaved somewhere in Italy.  It is clear that the majority of the plot of this story will have little to do with the actual war, as the Turks are seemingly defeated at the beginning of Act II. This ending of the war acts almost like foreshadowing in that it reveals that the plot will be centered around the relationships of the characters of the story rather than the war.  Other foreshadowing that has thus far been present is the straightforward intent of Iago to manipulate all those around him into doing what he wants.  In Act I Scene 3, Iago explains how Othello is easy to manipulate, "The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th' nose As asses are."  I'm sure Iago's manipulations will dominate the plot of the story.