The Sun and the Lion

In addition to assisting the Indian vassal, the Safavid navy also has another more important matter-controlling Aden and deploying a fleet to control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

In his planning in 1504 or even earlier, when Ibrahim envisioned controlling trade routes and grabbing huge profits in the future on the Indian Ocean chart, Aden and even the entire Yemen region became part of his imagination.

The natural conditions of Yemen, which was named the blessed Arabia by the Greeks and Romans in the classical period, are different from other areas of the peninsula. This can be said to be the most suitable area for development on the peninsula - the land is fertile and the rainfall is relatively abundant, which provides rare conditions for the development of agriculture. Relatively prosperous agriculture can bring relatively abundant products to the local area, support a relatively larger population, and support more prosperous settlements.

In addition to its own natural conditions, Yemen also has good location advantages. This place is close to Ethiopia and is separated from the Horn of Africa by the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. All merchant ships traveling between Egypt and India pass through Aden. In addition, it produces myrrh, coffee and other cash crops, and its economic and strategic value cannot be overemphasized. And metaphor.

Regarding the Yemen strategy, Ibrahim made some considerations. He believes that now is the time to seize Aden and gradually encroach on Yemen - Safavid has not yet conflicted with Portugal and can spare enough power to control Aden and interfere with Red Sea trade. In this way, while obtaining economic benefits, the Mamluks' financial resources can be obtained, and perhaps this can coerce Kansu Gauri to adopt a more radical attitude towards the Ottomans in the future.

The fleet slowly approached the destination of this trip, Aden. This prosperous trading port is located on a small peninsula. The town is backed by an ancient extinct volcano and stretches along the coastline. The port area is in the semi-enclosed water area on the inside, with moored boats Many merchant ships. The town has high walls and towers on its defense line facing the sea and causeways as fortifications. Because of the obstruction of the extinct volcano, it is impossible for the fleet to land from the outside of the peninsula and attack the town.

Seeing that the city did not deploy artillery to defend against the foreign fleet, Ahsan directly ordered the entire fleet to sail into the bay, and ordered the gunners of the flagship to launch the artillery and fire a signal. The huge sound of the cannon resounded throughout the port.

The garrison at the port who heard the sound of cannons thought it was the rumored Frankish pagan pirates coming, and immediately prepared to fight and sent negotiators to delay the attack until the Iranian businessmen noticed the flag on the mast and alerted the officials present.

The commander received the Aden officials who boarded the ship: "I am the commander-in-chief of the navy and the governor of all islands and seas appointed by the King of Kings of Iran. I have been ordered to come to your place to visit the master of this city."

The official scanned the people on the deck and saw that they looked and dressed like Iranians. The hostility he had raised against the pagans was completely extinguished, but his wariness was still there. He spoke carefully: "Dignified guests from the sea, May I ask why you commanded the fleet to come to this place?"

"This is something that only your master needs to worry about. As for you, you only need to truthfully report to him my identity and the majesty of this fleet. I come with peace, remember." Ehsan He waved the other person away arrogantly.

The customs officer who disembarked in confusion returned to the shore and reported the matter to the emir stationed in Aden. The previous salute in the port had alarmed him, and when he heard someone saying that the flag of the Iranian heresy was hanging on the mast, he almost ordered all the Persian merchants in the city to be arrested.

"Dear Sir, that's what he said..."

After listening to the statement, Emil was still very confused. After thinking about it, he decided: "First send pilots to these distinguished guests and arrange berths and accommodation in the castle."

Then he found the Persian community leader in Aden and asked: "What do you know about your hometown? I want to know more."

The wealthy businessman thought about it and said humbly: "Sir Emir, I have settled in Aden for a long time, and I only know a few rumors about what is happening in my hometown..."

Ibrahim's military exploits and political achievements since he raised his army were briefly described to the emir. The wealthy businessmen expressed admiration for the King of Kings, exaggerating many of his deeds intentionally or unintentionally, and constantly praising them. This made him feel like he was facing a formidable enemy. A powerful and wealthy heretic sent an army to demonstrate. What was he going to do?

The emir waved his hand irritably to the wealthy Persian businessman to leave and look for the bookstore www.zhaoshuyuan. com and set about arranging a messenger to report the matter to the Tahir dynasty Sultan Zafir Amir.

…………

Ahsan, who was waiting at the flagship for a response, was now taking stock of the forces he had brought to Aden. This fleet consists of four Karaks as the main force, and two Caravels as auxiliaries.

In addition to these six warships, the fleet also includes merchant ships carrying supplies and soldiers. Currently, the Yemenis have not been able to see through the camouflage of the merchant ships. The Emir of Aden is worried that a hasty inspection of these ships may cause unnecessary disputes. After the customs officials were After refusing to board other ships, they gave up without trying again and sent stern words demanding obedience.

He does not agree very much with this special military operation. The main reason is that the troops are too small. The total number of Karaks and Caravels currently available is only a little over twenty, but they have to take care of everything from the Persian Gulf to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the fruit. In this large sea area of ​​​​A, it is inevitable to split up the fleet and disperse the stations. He has not yet decided who to assign to each position.

However, he did not raise objections in the memorial, but personally led the army to Aden.

"Sir Admiral, the Yemenis have sent a pilot. He said he was going to lead the fleet to the designated berth. He also said that he had prepared a cave in the castle. I hope you can come ashore in person." The commander's personal guard came at this time. Report.

Ahsan did not have as sensitive a vigilance mentality as the Portuguese, and he immediately ordered the two caravels to go ahead. He also agreed to the emir's invitation to go ashore, but he asked the messenger to bring a message back. First, he thanked the emir for his kindness, then politely declined the invitation to spend the night in the castle, and asked the other party to allow him to take the Iranians who were in Aden with his bodyguard. Community accommodation.

While awaiting the emir's reply, Safawi's outreach to the local Iranian community was also underway.