Algiers and Corsairing Sample Clauses

Algiers and Corsairing. The foundation of Ottoman Algeria is closely linked to two Muslim Brothers, Arruj (1474-1518) and Xxxxxxxxxx (1483-1546), better known as the Barbarossa or the ‘the Red Xxxxx’. The Barbarossa were daring corsairs who originated from Mytilene, ex-Lebsos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea where they had been corsairing under the protection of an Ottoman prince. Since 1496, the Spanish conquered vast lands and possessions in North African coats: Melilla (1496), Mers-el-kebir (1505), Oran (1509) and Bejaia (1510). Meanwhile, the Barbarossa were operating successfully off Tunisia under the Hafsids. Soon after, the brothers moved their base of operation to Jijel and Bejaia. Starting from 1514, they led siege to Bejaia twice but failed to take it; however, they succeeded in expelling the Genoese, Spain’s allies, from Jijel and settled there. Later on, Xxxxx sent an emissary to the Ottoman Sultan. In fact, this was the first indication of contact between the two corsairs and Constantinople. The Sultan welcomed the initiative as a sign of obedience and reciprocated by providing them with two war galleys. As a result of their heroic achievement in Jijel, the Barbarossa’s reputation raised to reach far more cities that were occupied by the Spaniards. By 1516, they received also a call for rescue from the city of Algiers in order to overthrow the Spanish threat. Finally, after his brother’s death in 1518, ‘‘Xxxxxxxxxx resisted both Spanish and local forces and even succeeded in defeating a Spanish invading flotilla in 1519. Aware of the incessant Christianassaults on El-Jaza’ir, he sought and speedily obtained protection from the Ottoman Empire. In fetihname—letter announcing the conquest of a city—Xxxxxx Xxxxx X (r. 1512-1520) declared El-Jaza’ir as one of his lands in 1519. In return, Xxxxxxxxxx recognized the sovereignty of the Sultan and paid him allegiance. That was, in fact, the beginning of Ottoman rule in Algeria.’’(Maameri, 42) In 1529, to reinforce his control over Algiers, Xxxxxxxxxx launched the construction of galleys and converted it into great naval base: Strengthening Ottoman presence in the western Mediterranean in the way, he transformed this Ottoman province to a busy construction yard. Along the coast, from Cherchell to Tlemcen he built new garrisons or reinforced existing ones. With the Arab tribes of the interior, he concluded alliances while to the east he sent troops that conquered major cities such as Constantine, Collo, and Annaba. She adds: I...