The Sultan's Fleet: Seafarers of the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Navy dominated the seas of the Eastern Mediterranean for centuries, but its history is little known. This book provides a comprehensive account of the navy, from its origins to its major engagements, and the personal stories of the North African corsairs and Greek sailors recruited as admirals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Ottoman Empire, renowned for its land prowess, held dominion over the Eastern Mediterranean seas for an astonishing four centuries. However, the remarkable stories of the seafarers who composed the Ottoman Navy remain largely unknown. These men, whose naval expertise ensured the empire's expansion from North Africa to the Black Sea, played a pivotal role in safeguarding the empire and facilitating global trade networks amidst piracy and conflicts with Italian city-states and continental European powers. In her captivating book, Christine Isom-Verhaaren delves into the rich history of the Ottoman Navy, tracing its origins as the fleets of Anatolian Turkish beyliks to significant turning points such as the Battle of Lepanto. Moreover, the book offers a comprehensive portrayal of the Ottoman Navy as an institution, shedding light on the personal narratives of North African corsairs and Greek sailors who were recruited as admirals. Drawing upon a diverse range of sources, the book provides a detailed and insightful account of the Ottoman Navy, often overlooked in the empire's era of supremacy from the 14th to the 18th century.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755641758