Draft:Capture of Fort Saint Elmo


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The Capture of Fort Saint Elmo was a pivotal event during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. This siege was a significant conflict in the Mediterranean between the Ottoman Empire, led by Grand Master Suleiman the Magnificent, and the Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. Fort Saint Elmo was a crucial fortification guarding the entrance to the Grand Harbor of Malta.

Background
In 1565, the Ottoman Empire sought to expand its influence in the Mediterranean by capturing the island of Malta, which was held by the Knights of St. John. Fort Saint Elmo, situated on the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula, was a strategic outpost that commanded the entrance to the Grand Harbor, a vital anchorage for ships.

The Siege
In May 1565, the renowned Algerian admiral Turgut Reis, commanding 1,600 men and 15 ships, joined Piale Pasha in the siege of Malta. Turgut advised the Ottoman commander, Lala Mustafa, to swiftly capture the citadels of Gozo and Medina but was ignored. Instead, Turgut intensified the artillery fire on Fort St. Elmo, a strategically vital fort controlling the entrance to the Grand Harbor. In June, he ordered a full-scale siege of Fort St. Elmo to isolate it from Fort St. Angelo. Tragically, on June 17, 1565, a cannon shot from Fort St. Angelo struck near Turgut, gravely injuring him with debris. Six days later, he succumbed to his wounds and was buried in Tripoli. After his death,the Ottomans and Algerians ultimately captured Fort St. Elmo.

Aftermatch
Although the Ottomans ultimately captured Fort St. Elmo, their campaign in Malta would end in failure, with approximately 8,000 casualties. This battle, celebrated across Europe, marked the end of the Crusader period.