Aloha Everyone,
Because of its strategic location, Rhodes during the Byzantine Empire was an important trading port for ships that sailed between Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) and Alexandria, Egypt. The Ottoman Empire ultimately succeeded in overpowering the Knights of St John in the year 1522.The castle fortifications were strong and to avoid too many soldiers from dying, the Ottomans negotiated. They would allow the Knights and the Christians to leave Rhodes in exchange for safe passage. Ships and provisions were provided. The Knights fled to Malta.
After 1523, most of the Christian churches were converted into Islamic mosques. Today visitors can still see the glory of the Byzantine era. Mosque of Suleiman, Roloi, the Clock Tower no longer serve religious functions but are now museums depicting important relics of Rhodes turbulent history.
Aloha -- Cathi