Peter I of Cyprus - Wars Against Turks

Wars Against Turks

Neighboring Muslim countries did not pose a serious threat to the Kingdom of Cyprus because they lacked resources needed to conquer the island. Their raids resembled piracy more than military invasions.

However, Peter decided that Cyprus could and should attack, instead of waiting an attack. The beginning of his attacks was in Korikos, a fortified harbour in the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. His ambitions for siege were in Asia Minor, since the Armenian Kingdom, which was almost destroyed by Turks, had strong relations with the Kingdom of Cyprus because of the weddings, the royal family of the Kingdom of Armenia was relative with the royal family in Cyprus.

In January 1360, the residents of Korikos sent their representatives in Cyprus to ask from Peter to protect them, since their city was directly threatened by Turks, and few years before they asked the help from Peter's father Hugh IV, who declined. Korikos demanded to be under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Cyprus which was responsible to defend it. Peter believed that was his chance for a bridgehead in Asia Minor. He answered positive and sent military defence there with leader, the knight Roberto de Luisignan. The Turks reacted in the siege of Korikos by the Cypriots but their attacks were defended successfully.

The siege of Korikos, was seen as a threat by Muslim leaders of Asia Minor and they allied against Peter, planning to attack him on his home island. They attacked Cyprus with many ships but Peter obtained aid from the Knights of Saint John from Rhodes. Other help came from the Pope and even from pirates. In July 1361, Peter mastered a fleet of 120 ships. With his force, Peter attacked Asia Minor, continuing his policy of preemptive attacks. On 23 August 1361, Cypriot forces landed in Antalya and Peter conquered the city after a siege on 24 August 1361. After this victory, the remaining emirs of the region offered Peter an annual tribute. Peter accepted the offer and sent his flags, coats of arms and symbols to be raised in many cities of Asia Minor. He stayed in Antalya until 8 September 1361. Then he went to other cities, whose some of them their emir worshiped on him, gave him presents, emir's castle keys and many others. He returned as a trophy winner in Cyprus on 22 September 1361.

Antalya emir, Tekke, after he lost his city, he took big army and after many attacks tried to occupy his city. After hard battles, Cypriots achieved to keep the city and also to siege the guard in the region of Myrres.