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Selected and rare materials, excerpts and observations from ancient, medieval and contemporary authors, travelers and researchers about Cyprus.
 
 
 
 
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GIOVANNI MARITI
Travels in the Island of Cyprus
page 198

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for five hours the Venetian General Bragadino was forced to surrender. In accordance with the truce signed by both sides the effects and arms of the Venetians, together with five cannon, and three horses belonging to the commanding officers, were to be transported on 20 Turkish vessels. The whole population of the island as then enrolled was put at 120,000 males, from each of whom a gold piece was collected as tax. The General Mustafa Pasha kept suspecting that the warships which were to transport the Venetians might not be sent back, and that possibly during the voyage their crews might be killed. On our side the vessels were made ready for sea, the Venetians were transporting their effects, and nothing remained but to bid an official farewell to our General. Bragadino asked to have an audience of his Excellency, and leave was granted. On a Friday, about 10 o'clock, the Venetian General, holding a red umbrella on which was an ornament peculiar to the nobles of Venice, and the chiefs of his staff, Baglione, Louis Martino, Anton Querini, with 40 armed knights, came to the General's pavilion : they were received by a guard of honour, and with all state and respect. Mustafa Pasha asked why he showed no mercy to the Defterdar of Egypt and his staff, who were unjustly slain, and why he* gave orders for the execution of all the Moslem prisoners of war who were in the Fort of Famagusta, and on receiving the answer "they were my prisoners, I killed them all"—and when before moving he refused to leave Anton Querini as a hostage, Bragadino and his comrades were by the General's command chained and thrown into prison, and 10 days later, in revenge for the blood of the Defterdar and about 50 pilgrims, they were all executed, and their heads were sent to Constantinople. Afterwards Bragadino's remains were transported to Venice by his relations, and buried in the church of St Gregory. The Siege of Famagusta 195

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