The Occupation of Aden and Some Measures taken by the Ottoman Empire in the Red Sea after Its Occupation

Abstract

The 19th century was one of the toughest eras for the Ottoman State, when the state not only faced political, social and military difficulties internally but also dealt with external threats toward Ottoman lands and a demographic rivalry. In this era, like most places in the empire, the southern lands were among the places where problems emerged. Though in decline, the Ottoman State tried to preserve the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea; however, this effort often did not bear fruit. The English who had settled in India over the course of time established an influence area over the Indian Ocean and the Aden Gulf. After a while this influence area extended toward Ottoman lands. Modern day Somalia and the shores of the Red Sea in the entrance of Africa and Yemen formed areas where the rivalry first occurred with the English in the south. Against all odds, the Ottoman State tried to maintain a political and diplomatic stance against the English, French and other European powers. This study treats the decline of Ottoman authority on the shores of the Red Sea following the British occupation of Aden. It also aims to determine how the shores of the Red Sea gained importance and to demonstrate the Ottoman State's struggle, in military and political terms, against the European powers' efforts to establish influence areas. Key Words: The Ottoman State, England, Aden, The Red Sea, Bab-el-Mendeb.