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History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

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Ottoman Empire 375<br />

Umar Pasha back from helping the insurgents <strong>by</strong> giving him a<br />

substantial payment. Thereupon Umar Pasha returned to his province.<br />

However, Caesar's grandson went out <strong>of</strong> control, deposed Caesar and<br />

captured the throne. Following his death in 742 A.H. John Palaeologus<br />

ascended the throne <strong>of</strong> Constantinople. But, the late Caesar's<br />

grandson deposed Palaeologus and occupied the throne in 748 A.H.<br />

and ruled until 794 A.H. Two more Caesars replaced him until 857<br />

A H. after which the Turks occupied Constantinople. Soon after<br />

ascending the throne <strong>of</strong> Constantinople Caesar Cantacuzenus conceded<br />

Sultan Orkhan to be the ruler <strong>of</strong> Asia Minor and made all out efforts<br />

to establish good relations with the Sultan. Thus, Caesar sent word to<br />

Orkhan that he wanted to give his exquisitely beautiful daughter to him<br />

in<br />

marriage. Caesar knew that Orkhan was then 60 and his daughter<br />

in religion.<br />

was quite young. He was not unaware <strong>of</strong> the difference<br />

Orkhan accepted the <strong>of</strong>fer and married Theodora, the daughter <strong>of</strong><br />

Caesar. Thus, Caesar bought peace to strengthen his position militarily.<br />

But, eight years after this event, something strange took place. Venice<br />

and Genoa, the two strong naval powers clashed over coastal areas and<br />

ports. Since Genoa and the Caesar <strong>of</strong> Constantinople had serious<br />

territorial disputes both powers were hostile to each other therefore,<br />

Caesar wished success for Venice. Orkhan Gazi, on the other hand,<br />

hated Venice for its hostile activities on the southern coast <strong>of</strong> Asia Minor<br />

and Venice looked down upon Orkhan's Empire. Thus, Orkhan was felt<br />

compelled to lend his support to Genoa.<br />

At last, Genoa and Venice the two entered into armed conflict near the<br />

Bosphorus Straits.<br />

<strong>of</strong> the near<strong>by</strong> coastal province.<br />

One night Sulaiman Orkhan took<br />

Orkhan's son, Sulaimarl Orkhan was the Governor<br />

only forty men and landed on the<br />

European coast from a Genoese boat and conquered the fort at<br />

Gallipoli (Turkish: Gelibolu, historical: Callipolis) on the coast, which<br />

was a source <strong>of</strong> strength for Venice. Following this several thousand<br />

Turks joined their victorious prince at the fort. Genoa felt happy and<br />

encouraged at this new victory while the allies <strong>of</strong> Constantinople were<br />

greatly disappointed after this development. He was about to write to<br />

Orkhan to direct his son to vacate his occupation <strong>of</strong> the fort when<br />

Caesar himself faced a revolt <strong>by</strong> his other son-in-law. When Caesar

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