The Portuguese-Ottoman Commercial Rivalry for Control of Southern Yemeni Ports (1513-1538)

Abstract

Arabic Abstract. The southern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula enjoyed important strategic locations on international trade routes connecting the continents of the world. This led to intensified European competition for control, particularly the Portuguese-Ottoman rivalry in the 16th century over the Yemeni ports of Aden and Ash-Shihr These ports represent a significant juncture in the maritime and commercial history of the region, given Yemen's strategic location on global trade routes. The competition to extend influence between the Portuguese and Ottomans, driven by the desire for substantial financial gains, led to their attempts to control Aden and Ash-Shihr. Ultimately, this resulted in the weakening of Portuguese control and the consolidation of Ottoman power over Yemen during the first and second Ottoman occupations, whichhh continued until the outbreak of World War I. This period, spanning from 1513 to 1538, is what motivated me to write this research, as it contains significant events worthy of study and research.