Ottoman Empire
Meanwhile, the Turks, with an estimated fleet of 250 ships and 80,000 men, had taken over the whole island of Cyprus with the fall of Nicosia and in particular, that of Famagusta (August 4, 1571). Baia Ali, commander of Turkish forces, coveted something bigger than just capturing the ports of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Had in mind actually win the European mainland, determined mainly by the Ottoman navy in those days, the world's strongest. Toread more…