TURKISH PRESENCE ON THE ISLAND OF RHODES IN THE 14TH CENTURY: TRADE, POLITICS, AND MILITARY ACTIVITIES

Abstract

This study examines the presence of Turks on the island of Rhodes in the 14th century within the contexts of trade, politics, and military activities. Following the fall of Acre, the strategy of the Crusader movement underwent a transformation, and the Hospitaller Knights’ conquest of Rhodes in 1310 reshaped the Crusader presence in the Aegean. The strategic location of Rhodes was of great significance to both the Crusaders and the Turkish principalities of Anatolia. During this period, the island was subjected to Turkish pirate attacks while simultaneously becoming a center for commercial interactions between the Crusaders and the Turks. Historical sources indicate that the Turks established control over Rhodes for a certain period before being expelled by the Hospitallers. The Hospitallers’ conquest of Rhodes altered the balance of power in the Aegean, leading to alliances between the Genoese and the Turks against the knights. Throughout this process, conflict between the Crusaders and the Turks persisted, yet an inevitable commercial and political interaction also continued. This study explores these dynamics by analyzing various historical sources, providing a comprehensive assessment of Rhodes' strategic and political position in the 14th century.