13 Portuguese merchants who come and go, as well as the Portuguese soldiers stationed there. As for the Muslim and Indian population, their numbers were about 40,000; not to mention the Persians, the Turks, the Mongols and the various other traders that bring their goods for trade and leave. The king of Portugal owns the Customs House in Hormuz. It was given as a gift to the kings of Portugal in accordance with two decrees issued by the kings of Hormuz. Previously, the customs house used to be rented out. However, after the kings of Hormuz were defeated repeatedly by the Portuguese, particularly since Afonso D. Albuquerque in 1514 suppressed their revolt, the Portuguese took it over. In addition to falling subordinate to the Kings of Portugal and the fact that there is a Portuguese fortress there, the kings of Hormuz were not allowed to have arms. As a result, they could not keep the sea open to merchants bringing their goods over and pay customs on them. Perhaps, the main reason for customs collection is the fact that the sea needs to be open for trade activities and a strong fleet is needed to control piracy on land and sea. After the Portuguese kings took over Hormuz, the custom tolls became “rightfully” theirs, since
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