ARCHITECTURE

In 1569, the canal of the Black Sea was began to be built. Ayasofya Mosque was restored and two new minarets were constructed. Mimar Sinan built Selimiye Mosque in Edirne in October 30, 1574.

Eyub Zal Mahmud Pasha Mosque, Selimiye Mosque in Konya, Sokollu Mosque in Luleburgaz, Sultan Selim Mosque in Payas are some of important monuments erected in Selim II’s period.

CAPTURE of SAKIZ ISLAND

The Ottomans extended their power in maritime too and they captured most of the Mediterranean islands. The island of Sakiz was under the domination of the Geneoise State and they were paying taxes to the Ottoman Empire, besides, their trading was controlling by the Ottomans. The island was one of the important trade centres of the Aegean Sea. The countries without capitulation were bringing their goods to Sakiz and by the Venetian, Genoise and Dubrovic merchants they were selling those goods to the Ottomans.

The Geneoise islanders were not paying their taxes regularly, moreover, they were attacking the Ottoman forces. Under these circumstances, a navy was sent to the island commanded by Piyale Pasha and Sakiz was captured. His victory brought Piyale Pasha the vizier rank, in 1568

CAMPAIGN to INDONESIA

The Ottomans achieved many overseas glories. To assist the Muslim Ace State in Indonesia an Ottoman Navy emerged by 15-20 ships was sent to the Far East in 1569.

The CAMPAIGN to YEMEN

The power struggle in the Indian Ocean was continuing since Suleyman I’s period. A revolt had began in Yemen and an army sent there, the revolt immediately repressed in 1570.

The CONQUEST of CYPRUS

Cyprus was ruled by the Venetians. Before Ottoman invasion of Egypt, Cyprus was paying taxes to the Mamelukes. After the Turkish invasions the islanders were imposed to taxes to the Ottoman Empire. The island was very significant in terms of its strategic and geographical location. Lala Mustafa Pasha was insisting on the necessity of a campaign to Cyprus. But, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was opposing the campaign considering the possibility of a new crusade.

In October 1570, the Ottomans captured the capital Nicosia (Lefkosa) and most of the small towns of Cyprus. But, Famagusta (Magosa) one of the important cities of the island remained. Lala Mustafa Pasha besieged the city both from the land and the sea. The siege took nearly a year at last the city had surrendered in August, 1571 and Turks settled on the island.

INEBAHTI WAR

After the capture of Cyprus, the Europeans began to organise a new crusade navy. The navy was commanded by Don Juan and it was emerged by the ships of Venice, Spain, Malta, Vatican and the other Italian governments. Experienced admirals of the Ottoman Navy, Pertev Pasha and Uluc Ali Pasha recommended a defence war, but Ali Pasha the Minister of Navy made the first attack.

The war taken place in the North of the island of Morea on 7th October 1571. In the end of the war the Ottomans were defeated and Ali Pasha had died. Uluc Ali Pasha was rescued his ships and he replaced Ali Pasha.

This defeat declined the Ottoman authority in the seas and in the trading roads.

CAPTURE of TUNISIA

The Ottoman Navy under the command of Uluc Ali Pasha sailed through the Mediterranean Sea and, invaded some shores of Tunisia in 1574.

CANAL PROJECTS

Defterdar Kasım Bey was appointed for the canal project. He completed one third of the canal. The winter was on the way and the Khan of Crimea was discouraging the Ottoman workers by romouring about the difficulties of winter and the workers gave up working. The Ottomans abandoned the enterprise, they did not begin again.

The Suez Canal was planned in the period of Sultan Selim II but it could not have been began.