Portuguese intervention in Hormuz (1514–1515)
1514–1515 military intervention
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In the early 1500s, Hormuz was under the rule of King Saif-ud-Din. However, King Saif-ud-Din was poisoned in 1512 by Rais Nur-ud-Din, who then installed the young Turan Shah as the new king. But Turan Shah's rule was short, as Rais Ahmad, the son of Rais Nur-ud-Din, deposed his uncle and took control of the kingdom, with the backing of Ismail Shah of Persia.
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Conflict
In response to the growing influence of the Safavids in Hormuz, Afonso de Albuquerque sent his nephew, Pêro de Albuquerque, to the island in 1514. Pêro's mission was to collect overdue tribute, explore the political landscape, and reinforce Portuguese control. However, his mission did not achieve its objectives.
On February 21, 1515, Afonso de Albuquerque personally sailed to Hormuz with a fleet of 27 ships and 3,000 men. Upon arrival, Albuquerque found the city fortified but politically divided. King Turan Shah and Rais Nur-ud-Din sought Portuguese help to remove Rais Ahmad, believing that Portugal was only interested in trade and tribute.
On April 1, 1515, Albuquerque landed his forces with Turan Shah's consent. Using the alliance with Turan Shah, Albuquerque organized the assassination of Rais Ahmad during a council meeting. This action terrified Turan Shah, who then became the king, but as a Portuguese vassal.
Aftermath
To solidify their control, the Portuguese began constructing a fort in Hormuz on May 3, 1515. The campaign, however, was taxing on Portuguese troops due to the intense heat and diseases.
After its vassalage, Hormuz remained under Portuguese control until 1622, when it was recaptured by Persian and English forces.