Menteşe Dynasty

Menteşe Dynasty, Turkmen dynasty (c. 1290–1425) that ruled in the Muğla-Milas region of southwestern Anatolia. Founded by Menteşe, the dynasty’s principality extended along the Aegean and the Mediterranean coasts, and its fleet engaged in trade and piracy. After repulsing a Byzantine attack in 1296, Menteşe’s son Mesud occupied part of the island of Rhodes in 1300. Menteşe Ibrahim was compelled in 1355 to allow the Venetians to establish a trading colony at Balat (Miletus). Divided...