Explores significant events in the naval history of the Ottoman Empire, along with topics including collective punishments by invaders, and many aspects of economic and cultural life on the islands.
The Ottoman Empire stretched from the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic. It included the islands of Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, and many smaller islands in the Aegean, Adriatic, and Black Seas. These islands were its frontiers, and many of the battles against Christian enemies were fought here; they were also bridges to the outside world beyond the empire. They were often fortified by magnificent castles, and sometimes served as bases for corsairs. The book highlights significant events in naval history, depicts collective punishments by invaders, and provides myriad insights into economic and cultural life on the islands.
