Portuguese intervention in Hormuz (1514–1515)

Portuguese intervention in Hormuz (1514–1515)
Part of Portuguese conquest of Hormuz

Map of Kingdom of Hormuz
Date1514–1515
Location
Hormuz, Persian Gulf
Result Portuguese–Turah Shah victory
Territorial
changes		 Hormuz becomes a vassal of Portugal
Belligerents
Portuguese Empire Kingdom of Portugal

Supported by:
 Safavid Empire
Commanders and leaders
Portuguese Empire Pêro de Albuquerque
Portuguese Empire Afonso de Albuquerque
Turan Shah IV		 Rais Ahmad †
Supported by:
Safavid dynasty Ismail I
Strength
27 ships
3,000 men		 Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown

The Portuguese intervention in Hormuz (1514–1515) took place amidst a power struggle within the Kingdom of Hormuz. After the poisoning of King Saif-ud-Din in 1512, Hormuz was divided between Turan Shah and Rais Ahmad, who held control with the support of Ismail I of Persia. The Portuguese, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, intervened, eventually assassinating Rais Ahmad and establishing Portuguese control over Hormuz.

Background

In the early 1500s, Hormuz was under the rule of King Saif-ud-Din. However, King Saif-ud-Din was poisoned in 1512 by Rais Nur-ud-Din, who then installed the young Turan Shah as the new king. But Turan Shah's rule was short, as Rais Ahmad, the son of Rais Nur-ud-Din, deposed his uncle and took control of the kingdom, with the backing of Ismail Shah of Persia.[1]

Conflict

In response to the growing influence of the Safavids in Hormuz, Afonso de Albuquerque sent his nephew, Pêro de Albuquerque, to the island in 1514. Pêro's mission was to collect overdue tribute, explore the political landscape, and reinforce Portuguese control. However, his mission did not achieve its objectives.[2]

On February 21, 1515, Afonso de Albuquerque personally sailed to Hormuz with a fleet of 27 ships and 3,000 men. Upon arrival, Albuquerque found the city fortified but politically divided. King Turan Shah and Rais Nur-ud-Din sought Portuguese help to remove Rais Ahmad, believing that Portugal was only interested in trade and tribute.[1]

On April 1, 1515, Albuquerque landed his forces with Turan Shah's consent. Using the alliance with Turan Shah, Albuquerque organized the assassination of Rais Ahmad during a council meeting. This neutralized opposition and terrified Turan Shah, who then became the king, but as a Portuguese vassal.[1][3]

Aftermath

Main article: Anglo–Persian capture of Hormuz

To solidify their control, the Portuguese began constructing a fort in Hormuz on May 3, 1515. The campaign, however, was taxing on Portuguese troops due to the intense heat and diseases.[1]

After its vassalage, Hormuz remained under Portuguese control until 1622, when it was recaptured by Persian and English forces.

References

  1. ^ a b c d Khan 2023.
  2. ^ Potter 2009, p. 213.
  3. ^ Sanceau 1936, p. 275.

Bibliography

  • Potter, L. (January 5, 2009). The Persian Gulf in History. Springer. ISBN 0230618456.
  • Khan, Abdul (May 31, 2023). European Imperialism and the Third World. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 100087804X.
  • Sanceau, Elaine (1936). Indies adventure; the amazing career of Afonso de Albuquerque, captain-general and governor of India (1509-1515). London Glasgow : Blackie & son.