The Eastern Mediterranean: A History of Conflict 1291-1517 AD

Author's name: Dr. Alia Al-Mughni

This book examines a significant period in the history of the Eastern Mediterranean, a turbulent period that spanned more than two centuries, from 1291 to 1517—that is, from the late thirteenth century to the early sixteenth century. At that time, the major powers sought to control this region, because whoever ruled it ruled the entire world. The book "The Eastern Mediterranean" sheds light on the conflicting powers in this region during the period under study, and demonstrates the political and economic relations that arose between them. It also monitors the fundamental changes in the political, military, and cultural confrontation lines, and demonstrates the impact of economic factors on relations between the conflicting parties, both in times of peace and war. During that period, the region witnessed continuous conflicts, in which major roles were played by the Byzantine Empire, the Mongols, the Mamluk Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. It also witnessed two major historical events: The first: the Mongol invasion of the Islamic world, but the Mamluks were able to stop them. The second: ending the Crusader presence in the East, when the Mamluks confronted the attempts of the European countries to seize the East, under the pretext of protecting the holy places.