Ottoman Military Expedition in Palestine Aimed at Reasserting Control in 1657

In 1657, the Ottoman Empire initiated a military expedition in Palestine aimed at reestablishing its authority over the region. This action was primarily motivated by the strategic significance of Palestine, which served as a vital link to Egypt and played a crucial role in the funding and protection of the Hajj caravan. The Sublime Porte was increasingly concerned about the consolidation of power among local dynasties, particularly the Ridwan-Farrukh-Turabay alliance, which had been controlling the Hajj caravan and significantly reducing the revenues generated from this annual pilgrimage. The situation escalated when Husayn Pasha, a key figure in the governance of the region, was accused of incompetence in leading the Hajj caravan during the years 1662-63. His subsequent imprisonment and execution marked the beginning of the Sublime Porte's efforts to dismantle the influence of the Ridwan-Farrukh-Turabay dynasty. Following Husayn Pasha's death, the Ottoman authorities gradually eliminated the remaining members of this extended dynasty by the late 1670s, although Ridwan rule in Gaza persisted until 1690. This military expedition and the subsequent political maneuvers underscored the Ottomans' commitment to maintaining control over this strategically important region.