Massawa became prominent in the late 16th century when it was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1557, who made it the capital of Habesh, a province around what is now Eritrea, which was formerly known as Midri-Bahri.
Massawa became prominent when it was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1557. The Ottomans made it the capital of Habesh, a province almost identical to contemporary Eritrea, formerly known as Midri-Bahri.