As the Ottoman Turks expanded their control over the Middle East and North Africa in the 15th century, they started to block the established trade routes between Europe and Asia. This interruption in trade caused a severe shortage of highly desirable Asian goods like spices, silks, and porcelains in Europe, leading to a significant increase in their cost. As a result, European merchants and monarchs sought alternative ways to access these valuable commodities, which led to the start of the Age of Exploration.