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Aruj BarbarossaTurkish pirate, ruler of Algeria.
Country:
 Turkey |
Content:
- Aruj, the Ottoman Corsair and Ruler of Algiers
- Establishment of a Pirate Fleet
- Conquest of Algiers
- Expansion and Conflict with Spain
- Final Battle and Death
- Legacy and Name
Aruj, the Ottoman Corsair and Ruler of Algiers
Early Life and Conversion to IslamBorn on the island of Lesbos, Aruj embraced Islam at the age of 16 after the island's conquest by the Ottomans. He then willingly joined a Turkish pirate vessel.
Establishment of a Pirate Fleet
By the age of 20, Aruj had become a skilled pirate. He established an alliance with the Emir of Tunis, gaining access to the island of Djerba as a base for his pirate fleet. In exchange, he initially agreed to share 20% of his booty with the Emir, but later negotiated it down to 10%. His fleet, augmented by Turkish and Moorish refugees from Christian-liberated Spain, terrorized ports throughout the Mediterranean.
Conquest of Algiers
In 1516, the petty Moorish Sultan Selim al-Tumi summoned Aruj to his aid in capturing Algiers. Aruj successfully seized the city and proclaimed himself Emir of Algiers, taking the name Barbarossa I. However, he soon betrayed his trust by strangling Selim in his bathhouse and taking full control.
Expansion and Conflict with Spain
Barbarossa I extended his rule, defeating the forces of the Spanish vassal Mulay Abu Abdallah and capturing several settlements. However, his conflicts with Spanish forces, both on land and at sea, led to losses that forced him to seek assistance from the Moroccan Sultan.
Final Battle and Death
As Aruj sailed towards Morocco, he was intercepted by Spanish ships at the River Salado. Despite the opportunity to escape, Aruj returned to aid his outnumbered comrades and perished in the fierce battle.
Legacy and Name
While the nickname "Barbarossa" (meaning "Redbeard") is commonly associated with Aruj, the "Encyclopædia Britannica" disputes its accuracy, suggesting it was given to him by later writers. Nonetheless, his daring exploits as a pirate and ruler of Algiers have left a lasting mark on history. In the 20th century, several Turkish submarines were named after him.
