The Ottoman-French Competition Around The Land Called Sheikh Said in Yemen (1868-1912)

Abstract

The supremacy of Ottoman Empire in the Red Sea was also affected by this the decline of Ottoman Empire. The British, who settled into Aden, one of the most strategic points of Yemen, became an important actor to be considered for Ottoman Empire in the Southern Territories. The island and the ports, which were located in the Red Sea and Red Sea coasts, which were extremely worthless before, became a center of attraction with the opening of the Suez Canal. One of the most affected places by this stiuation was Yemen located in the Arabian Peninsula. Aden and Hadramut region were under the British patronage. In contrast the North Yemen, which had been a loose authority, was directly about to be taken under the authority of Ottoman Empire, even if Yemen had stayed in the Egyptian authorities for a while since the second half of XIX. century. While these developments were taking place, the French had attempted to have a place which had functioned as the duty of base camp. The point, which the French were interested above the Yemen, was Sheikh Said. There was considered as a port which could create a balance against the British Military presence in the region of the Red Sea cost. The initiative of French on Yemen and measures taken by the Ottoman Empire aginst this interference will be mentioned with this article. The approaching issue of Ottoman Empire will be explained over the process of incidents.