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Which parts of the Arabian Peninsula did the Ottoman Empire control in the 16th century?
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During the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire exerted control over several key regions of the Arabian Peninsula as part of its efforts to secure trade routes and counter Portuguese influence in the region.1
- Hejaz: Following the conquest of Egypt in 1517, the Ottoman sultan Selim I claimed the Hejaz, including the Holy Cities of Mecca and Jeddah, as part of the Ottoman dominions.1
- Yemen: The Ottomans established a presence in Yemen, capturing Sanaa and Shahārah, and utilized Mocha as a strategic base for naval operations.1
- Al-Ḥasā: By 1550, the Ottomans extended their reach into the Al-Ḥasā region along the Persian Gulf to curb Portuguese expansion.1
While the Ottomans maintained these positions to protect their interests, their control was often contested by local powers, such as the Zaydīs in Yemen and the Banū Khālid in Al-Ḥasā, and by the presence of European maritime nations in the surrounding waters.1