Albuquerque's Ambition: The Unsuccessful Siege of Aden in 1513
Back in 1513, Aden was more than just a city—it was the gatekeeper of the Red Sea, a bustling hub where merchants from across the world crossed paths, their ships heavy with exotic wares. It was this very allure that caught the eye of Afonso de Albuquerque, the ambitious Portuguese Governor of India, who fancied that capturing Aden would let him pretty much rule the Red Sea and give Egypt a good knock.
So, Albuquerque set sail from Goa with a hefty fleet, dreaming of conquest and spice monopolies. He had his sights set on not just Aden but also Hormuz, Diu, and Goa—key locations that would give him the upper hand in controlling the seas.
Siege of Aden 1513
Navigating the high seas is rarely a straightforward affair, as evidenced by the challenges faced by Afonso de Albuquerque's fleet. Upon arriving at Socotra Island, Albuquerque and his men found themselves at a crossroads, deliberating whether diplomacy or force would be the best approach to take Aden. Albuquerque, known for his decisiveness, opted for the direct approach, preferring to strike quickly rather than allow Aden time to fortify its defenses.
On Easter Sunday, under the cover of pre-dawn darkness, Albuquerque’s men swiftly commandeered landing barges and set off towards the shores of Aden. Their initial efforts were somewhat successful, capturing an outwork and seizing a considerable amount of ordnance. However, this early triumph was short-lived. The siege rapidly deteriorated; their scaling ladders proved inadequate for the task, leading to disarray and a hasty withdrawal, leaving several of their number stranded and vulnerable.
In recounting his father’s military ventures, Albuquerque’s son highlighted the failure of the ladders and the subsequent decision to abandon the siege by midday. The Portuguese fleet departed, leaving behind cannon fire and a pillaged harbour, but Aden itself remained untaken, standing resolute against their aggression.
Albuquerque later reflected on his strategic choices, conceding that a more thorough reconnaissance of Aden might have led him to a different course of action. His inability to secure Aden significantly hindered Portugal’s ambitious plans to dominate the Red Sea and control the lucrative spice trade to Egypt and the Mediterranean.
The Portuguese setback in Aden not only marked a significant moment for Albuquerque but also sent shockwaves through the region. The Egyptian Mamluks, aware of the Portuguese threat, attempted to capture Aden but were unsuccessful. Despite Albuquerque’s repeated attempts to seize the city, Aden remained elusive. It wasn't until 1538 that Aden eventually fell, but not to the Portuguese. It was Suleiman Pasha and his Ottoman fleet who successfully took control, transforming Aden from a mere trading hub into a strategic defence against European incursions towards the holy cities.
Siege of Aden 1513
