Relations between Cyprus and Adalia during the Lusignan period (1192-1489)

Cyprus which is the largest island of the Eastern Mediterranean and Antalya being one of the most frequented regions of the Southern Anatolia have experienced settlement since prehistoric times. The Island of Cyprus not only served as a station for the ships sailing between the West and the East but acted as a base and a source of income for the dominant powers of the region as well. And the island maintained her significant role throughout history. As of 1096, when the call for the first crusade began, an incursion appeared from the West to the East and it continued more than hundred years. This fact increased the strategic position of the island. The kingdom established by the Lusignan dynasty in 1192 survived nearly three hundred years and during this period Cyprus played a key role within the Christians' strategies in the East. On the other hand, Antalya had been an essential part of the region since Ancient times that coastal sailing was practiced. When Antalya was conquered by Seljuks in 1207, the city improved both political and commercial terms, and it functioned as one of the doors of Anatolia opening to Europe. After that, except for short intervals, Antalya stayed under the hegemony of Turks and became one of the prominent points in the Eastern Mediterranean, which lasted until the end of the medieval times. This study examines the relations between Cyprus and Antalya, two key points of the Eastern Mediterranean between the years 1192-1489 that the Lusignan dynasty was in power on the island. Wars, treaties, commercial activities and social and cultural contacts which were naturally brought by these close relations were handled.