Page 93 - Arabiab Studies (IV)

A Turkish Report on the Red Sea Ac. 83
the fortresses and ports in India which arc under Infidel domination. The
fear of these ships and arms has already disheartened the Infidels. They
are aware, however, that some of the above-mentioned ships will soon be
out of use. But when they learnt that there might be a campaign against
them during the reign of our Sultan—may God strengthen, exalt and
glorify him with the grace of God and the miracles of the Prophet, upon
whom be peace—they were dismayed and turned topsy-turvy. It is indeed
obvious that each ship resembles a dragon with open mouth. It is
impossible for anyone to appreciate the power of these arms and ships
unless he actually sees them. Nor is it possible to describe them. One
cannot escape from painful feelings when one sees these ships and arms
lying idly at Jedda, while one hears about the joyous activities of the
accursed Portuguese in those lands of India. It has been because of the
fear that these ships and guns might have been sent that (the Portuguese)
have not entered the sea of Tawr (Gulf of Suez). But if they hear that
these ships are not operational and lack crews they will inevitably come
with a big armada for, apart from these ships, there is nothing to deter
these accursed Portuguese.
3. The following is the account of the Indian provinces which the Infidel
Portuguese have captured:
First is the port of the island of Hurmuz, which is connected with the
Persian province. There they built a small fortress, placed two hundred
Infidels in it and seized the island. Every year fifty to sixty large ships
come to this island: they collect its tithe (‘ushr) and take one hundred
thousand florini coins [ducats] and send it to Portugal.
4. Then comes the port of Diu, which is the first port of India. Below,
beyond that, at a distance of two days’ journey, they built a fortress and
have been holding it for the last two years with one hundred Infidels.
From the surrounding territories and from other places they take precious
objects, jewellery etc., seal them up and send them to Portugal.
5. At a distance of five days’ journey onwards from the above-mentioned
fortress they built another fortress known as Goa. It is said that they keep
there one thousand Infidels. Their headquarters are in this fortress. The
provinces around it are prosperous and their inhabitants are hostile to
those Infidels; and these provinces keep a watchful eye on the enemy fleet
in order to prevent its arrival.
6. Below, at a distance of two days’ journey from the aforementioned
Goa, they also constructed a fortress at Calicut. With three hundred
Infidels from the fortress they captured the town. It is said that they
search the breast pocket and leather bag of every merchant; no one has a
chance to take away the smallest piece in the way of jewels. All the
diamonds and other jewels they find they seal up and send to Portugal.
7. Then at a distance of two days’ journey outward from the port of
Calicut they built a fortress in the famous place called Ku$i (Cochin), and,
having placed three hundred Infidels in it, they hold the city. They send to
Portugal whatever merchandize they take.
8. At a distance of two days’ journey onward beyond the above-