Turkish Italy

Basically what Valdemar said. The Ottomans didn't "steal" children - you are trying to be inflammatory, and it would be nice if we could have one discussion where we don't have offensive comments like this.

My apologies. I was not trying to be inflammatory in any way. Such was my perception of the situation. Thanks for the correction.
 
I´m not so sure that the conquer of Italy in 1571 was such improbable thing. Lepanto could be a open door if the turks won and the turks were not so far of the victory.

In addition, France played a very ambiguous role (a pact could be possible). I can not imagine their performance after the conquest of Italy. One thing is to find an ally against Spain and the Hapsburgs (the first power of the sixteenth century is Spain, not France. You are questioning the reaction of the rest of Europe and not on Spain's own), and another would see the Turks take over Italy. However, the European reaction against this thread proposal was not what really intrigues me but the reaction in Iberia. Italy, would have meant the door to Spain. If Italy falls, that imply the weakness of Spain. If Italy falls, all the Spanish presence in the Holy Roman Empire would be prejudiced and even the invasion of Spain would not be so...impossible

I think the problem is that the Ottomans also have to face strong enemies in Central Europe, as well as Persia, plus are starting to encounter some troubling domestic issues. Taking on the conquest of Italy is a pretty bog stretch. Does France have the resources to commit to an Italian campaign in alliance with the Ottomans?

Also, holding the Balkans is a different matter than Italy. If someone attacks there, it's just a matter of assembling an army to fight them off, and a lot of that army can be raised from the large Muslim population of the region. With Italy, the Ottomans have to maintain permanent naval superiority in the Med, which is a tall order. Lose it for even a brief period and Italy is terribly vulnerable, and is probably liable to rebellion.

That said, it could probably be conquered in collusion with the French, but it doesn't seem likely this will be more than an ephemeral gain.
 
Top