Abstract
In the late 13th century, the panorama of the Eastern Mediterranean coast underwent a sig nificant transformation. The Crusaders, who had fought for survival for nearly two centuries, were expelled from the region in 1291 due to the victories of the Mamluks. In response, the Papacy took a different approach before calling for a new crusade to recover the Holy Land. Firstly, Pope Nicholaus IV sought reports from individuals familiar with the region to assess its political and military situation. A diverse group of people, including clergy, soldiers, and merchants, responded to his call. Among them was Charles II d’Anjou, the King of Naples, who was eager to maintain his claim to the title of King of Cyprus, which he had inherited from his father, Charles I. In a text titled “Conseil,” Charles II expressed his thoughts on the Crusade. Unlike other theorists, he proposed alternative strategies instead of directly attac king the Mamluks. Drawing attention to the conditions of the Templar and Hospitaller orders, the king put forth innovative ideas, including the unification of the military orders under one leadership. This study provides an overview of Charles II and his era, emphasizing his work “Conseil.” Additionally, a translation of this work from Old French to Turkish is included at the end of the study.
Keywords: II. Charles, Conseil, Haçlı Seferi, Memlûklular, Askerî tarikatlar
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