Changes in Red Sea Trade (1590s)

Timeline

1. 1590–1595Jeddah–Suez route · Red SeaThe Ottomans controlled the northern Red Sea ports through the Egypt governorate and the Yemen pashalik, collecting tariffs and protecting pilgrim caravans. The Portuguese Goa fleet intercepted Muslim merchant ships in the southern Arabian Sea, forcing some India–Venice trade to reroute via Red Sea land-sea combined transport, but also raising freight costs and risks.
2. 1593–1599Zeila–Massawa–Mombasa triangle · Indian OceanPortugal built Fort Jesus at Mombasa to strengthen control of the Swahili coast, while the Ottomans supported ports such as Massawa in opposition. Ethiopia imported firearms and luxury goods via the port of Zeila, and Red Sea–Horn of Africa trade routes were redistributed among multiple powers. Demand rose for goods such as coffee to be transshipped via Yemeni ports to Europe, changing the traditionally spice-dominated trade structure.