The Ports of Cyprus and the French Invasion of Egypt (1798–1801)

Abstract

Cyprus holds an important geographical position in the eastern Mediterranean. During the Ottoman period (1571–1878), there were five ports in Cyprus that played a key role, not only in the history of Cyprus during this period but also in the Ottoman Empire as a whole. During the French invasion of Egypt (1798–1801), the ports of Cyprus were used to supply both the Ottoman army and the armies of its allies, England and Russia. The ports of Cyprus also regularly facilitated communications between the capital and the theater of war, which was distant from the capital.