Crete, an Aegean island nestled at the confluence of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, held significant strategic importance for the Ottoman Empire. In the early 1600s, Crete was under Venetian control, with Venetians using this strategic island extensively for unhindered navigation in the Mediterranean and for trade purposes. However, as Ottoman access to their African territories and Mediterranean voyages was increasingly disrupted by pirates, it became imperative to capture this island, which had turned into a pirate stronghold.
In 1645, Sultan Ibrahim initiated the campaign to capture Crete, commencing a siege that would last a staggering 24 years.
Reasons for the Cretan War
During the 17th century, Crete, under Venetian dominion, held pivotal importance as a base for Venetians in Eastern Mediterranean trade. It served as a strategic outpost for the Maltese knights and other Christian corsairs who attacked Ottoman ships, causing unrest in the Mediterranean. The Ottoman Empire had repeatedly warned the Venetians not to aid these pirates who posed a threat to the safety of Ottoman vessels, but to no avail.
The event that triggered the commencement of the Cretan War was the seizure of the ship of Kızlarağası Sümbül Ağa, who was en route to Mecca after being dismissed from duty, by Maltese pirates in the year 1645. After the Maltese pirates shared the spoils from the ship with the Venetian governor of Crete, the Ottoman Empire declared war on Venice, and the Ottoman fleet set out to besiege Crete.
Why Did the Conquest of Crete Take 24 Years?
The initial stages of the siege in 1645 were successful, with a substantial portion of the island, except for the central fortress of Candia (modern-day Heraklion), falling into Ottoman hands. However, the resilience of Candia's fortress, equipped with state-of-the-art defenses of the time, internal conflicts within the Ottoman Empire, and Venice's extensive military and financial support from various European nations and the Papacy, prolonged the siege of Crete to a remarkable 24 years. During this time, Venice even received support from the French king, Louis XIV. Another significant factor contributing to the prolonged siege was the composition of the Ottoman fleet, which primarily consisted of traditional oared galleys ('çektiri'). In contrast, the Venetian fleet boasted large, robust galleons. It was after the Cretan War that the importance of galleons became evident, prompting the Ottoman navy to transition from oared galleys to modern sailing galleons.
At that time, the Ottoman Empire was under the rule of Sultan Ibrahim, facing serious internal challenges. Sultan Ibrahim's indifferent demeanor, excessive state expenditures, and the financial strain caused by the prolonged siege of Crete all contributed to the delay in the conquest. Additionally, while the siege was ongoing, Venetian ships blockaded the Dardanelles, posing a prolonged threat to the Ottoman state. Despite initially capturing Bozcaada during the siege, the Ottomans later reclaimed the island. One of the reasons Sultan Ibrahim was deposed from the throne was his disregard for this critical situation, where Venetians, with their massive galleons, besieged the Dardanelles, thereby threatening the capital. Sultan Ibrahim's failure to address this crucial issue was cited as a contributing factor to his removal from power.
In summary, the prolonged conquest of Crete was attributed to the Ottoman Empire's diminished naval power and its inability to keep pace with global standards. The uprisings that erupted at the beginning of the campaign, along with the Venetians' occupation of the Dardanelles, significantly prolonged the siege.
Internal Turmoil in the Ottoman Empire, particularly the rivalry between the Queen Mothers (Kösem Sultan and Hatice Turhan Sultan), came to an end in 1661 with the ascension of Grand Vizier Köprülü Fazıl Ahmet Pasha to power. Fazıl Ahmet Pasha, who became Grand Vizier at the remarkably young age of 26, strengthened the Ottoman Empire through his efforts during the reign of Mehmed IV. He sealed the conquest of Crete by personally arriving in Edirne on May 15, 1669, and capturing the fortress of Candia, effectively bringing the Cretan War to a close. On September 5, 1669, a treaty was signed between the Ottomans and the Venetians for the surrender of Crete, and on September 27, 1669, Crete was handed over to Grand Vizier Köprülü Fazıl Ahmet Pasha.
While the conquest of Crete technically took place during the reign of Mehmed IV, it was executed under the leadership of Grand Vizier Köprülü Fazıl Ahmet Pasha. Köprülü played a significant role in the conquest of Crete. His dedication was evident from the fact that he spent the winter of 1669 in the trenches and tunnels alongside the soldiers during the siege of Candia.
Throughout the Cretan campaign, battles were not limited to the island itself but extended to various points in the Aegean Sea and along the coasts.
The capture of Crete held paramount strategic significance for the Ottoman Empire. It ensured the safety of Ottoman ships in the Mediterranean and secured the route to Egypt. On the other hand, for Venice, the loss of Crete signaled the end of its dominance in Eastern Mediterranean trade and contributed to its overall weakening.
In conclusion, the conquest of Crete marked a turning point for both Venice and the Ottoman Empire. It solidified the Ottoman presence in the Mediterranean, enhancing maritime security and consolidating control over key trade routes. For Venice, the loss of Crete was a significant blow, leading to a decline in its influence and power.
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