الصراع العثماني البرتغالي حول البحر الأحمر و القرن الإفريقي خلال القرن السادس عشر الميلادي

Abstract EN

The waterways and straits played a pivotal role in the strategic and commercial aspects of the international relations .It is rarely to have together the geographic، civilization، and political features of a region in the world as same as the Red Sea and East Africa (Horn of Africa).Their central location is the lifeblood for marine transportation due to their mediation between the different civilizations of the world as Arabic، African and others.

The importance of the Red Sea and East Africa is owing to the fact that they were and still are the main link between East and West .The Red Sea shortens the distance between the Western Europe and the East of Africa and Asia.

Furthermore، it is a severe abbreviation in saving time and money .Since 1517 A.D.

Ottomans paid a great attention to the Red Sea and East Africa.

They were responsible to protect them and their coasts.

Thus ،They had observed the Portuguese ambitions in these two seaports and their entrances .During this period ،It began a new stage of competition to control over the Red Sea and African Horn(Cape of Good Hope) and there was also a practice of commercial activity in them .The Ottomans made a great effort to preserve them as an Islamic lake.

The Commercial activity focused on Islamic forces, especially in the hands of Arabs and Muslims .Thus، the Ottomans ’first steps were very cautious.

As we find that the Portuguese campaigns continued strongly on the coasts of the Red Sea in the years 1523-1620 A.D.

For Portugal, it was one of the first European countries that sought to expand outside its territories since the 15th century AD ., For this reason, Portugal took advantage of its geographical proximity to the north of the African continent، and worked to establish scientific centers that are concerned with geographical discoveries.

Meanwhile, the Ottoman-Portuguese conflict in 16th century، there was also a parallel movement for nautical expeditions and geographical discoveries to control thd Red Sea and Horn of Africa (1500-1600 A.D).

After the Portugues spread out the destruction in the East ، the Ottomans stood up to fight the Portugese and succeeded to expel them from the Red Sea and then they took control of the northern parts of East Africa as Eritrea and north Somalia.