Capture of Mecca (1813)

The capture of Mecca in 1813 (Turkish: Mekke'nin Osmanlıya Dönüşü) happened several days after the capture of Jeddah during the Ottoman–Saudi War.

Capture of Mecca
Part of the Ottoman–Saudi War
View of Mecca
Date January 1813 Location Mecca, western Arabia Result Ottoman victory
Belligerents
Ottoman Empire	Emirate of Diriyah
Commanders and leaders
Mustafa Bey	Uthman Al-Medhyafi
Strength
1,500 men	Unknown
Casualties and losses
None	None

Capture

Mustafa Bey, the brother-in-law of Muhammad Ali Pasha advanced after taking Medina with a force of a thousand cavalry and five hundred infantry. The Meccan Shariff Ghalib ibn Musa'id, who wanted to get rid of Saudi rule, preferred the Ottoman rule. He sent messages to Mustafa Bey, inviting him to his towns. The Saudi General, Uthman Al-Medhyafi, met the Ottoman forces but found himself not strong enough to offer a battle. He retreated towards Taif. A few hours before Mustafa entered Mecca victoriously in January 1813, he proclaimed amnesty to the inhabitants of Mecca. Ghalib now joined his forces, around a thousand Arabs and black slaves.

Aftermath

After the capture of Mecca and Jeddah, news soon reached Cairo, and celebrations were held for five days. After the capture, the Ottoman forces captured Taif on 29 January after some skirmishing.