The Ottoman Turks and the Routes of Oriental Trade from The English Historical Review, October 1915

by Albert Howe Lybyer

"The Ottoman Turks and the Routes of Oriental Trade" by Albert Howe Lybyer is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book examines the rise of the Ottoman Turks, particularly from the late 13th century to the early 16th century, and its impact on the trade routes that connected the East and West during medieval times. It addresses the geopolitical dynamics that influenced the flow of trade and the subsequent shifts in routes due to the actions of various powers, especially the Ottoman Empire. In this work, Lybyer explores the complex relationships between the Ottoman Turks, other empires, and trade routes during a pivotal period of economic history. He argues that the rise of the Ottoman Empire influenced the established trade routes, leading to a gradual diversion towards routes around Africa as European powers sought new avenues for trade. Throughout the text, he contrasts various viewpoints on the effects of Turkish expansion on commerce and sheds light on how the political landscape shaped economic trajectories. Ultimately, the book posits that while the Turks did not intentionally obstruct trade, their conquests and the emergence of sea routes changed the dynamics of commerce, resulting in long-term economic shifts in the Levant and beyond.