Capture of Mecca (1813)

The capture of Mecca in 1813 (Turkish: Mekke'nin Osmanlıya Dönüşü) happened several days after the capture of Jeddah during the Ottoman–Saudi War.

Capture of Mecca
Part of the Ottoman–Saudi War

View of Mecca
DateJanuary 1813
Location
Mecca, western Arabia
Result Ottoman victory
Belligerents
 Ottoman Empire Emirate of Diriyah
Commanders and leaders
Ottoman Empire Mustafa Bey Uthman Al-Medhyafi
Strength
1,500 men Unknown
Casualties and losses
None None

Capture

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Mustafa Bey, the brother-in-law of Muhammad Ali Pasha advanced after taking Medina with a force of a thousand cavalry and five hundred infantry. The Meccan Shariff Ghalib ibn Musa'id, who wanted to get rid of Saudi rule, preferred the Ottoman rule. He sent messages to Mustafa Bey, inviting him to his towns. The Saudi General, Uthman Al-Medhyafi, met the Ottoman forces but found himself not strong enough to offer a battle. He retreated towards Taif. A few hours before Mustafa entered Mecca victoriously in January 1813, he proclaimed amnesty to the inhabitants of Mecca. Ghalib now joined his forces, around a thousand Arabs and black slaves.[1][2][3]

Aftermath

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After the capture of Mecca and Jeddah, news soon reached Cairo, and celebrations were held for five days. After the capture, the Ottoman forces captured Taif on 29 January after some skirmishing.[4][5]

References

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