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Hayreddin BarbarossaThe famous pirate.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1475
Country:  Turkey |
Content:
- Hayreddin Barbarossa: The Valiant Pirate and Naval Commander
- Early Life and Initiation into Piracy
- Rise to Power as Algerian Ruler
- Conquest and Defense of Algiers
- Expulsion of the Spanish from Pénon
- Command of the Ottoman Fleet
- Mediterranean Campaigns and Rivalry with Andrea Doria
- Blockade and Escape from Tunis
- Recapture of Port Mahon and Return to Constantinople
- Continued Mediterranean Raids and Plunder
- Franco-Ottoman Alliance and Piracy
- Battle of Preveza and Naval Rivalry
- Continued Raids and Ottoman Conquests
- Pirate Stronghold at Djerba and French Alliance
- Return Journey and Coastal Plunder
- Death and Legacy
Hayreddin Barbarossa: The Valiant Pirate and Naval Commander
Barbarossa, also known as Hayreddin or Khair-ed-Din, was not your typical marauder. Emerging from humble origins, he possessed exceptional military and organizational skills that propelled him to become both a formidable corsair and the revered admiral of the Ottoman Empire's fleet.
Early Life and Initiation into Piracy
Born around 1468 on the island of Lesbos, Hayreddin and his brothers earned their moniker "Barbarossa" for their fiery red beards. Sons of a potter who converted to Islam, they began their maritime careers on a small vessel, engaging in both merchant service and piracy. When his brother Arouj was captured by the Knights of St. John, Hayreddin embarked on a series of daring pirate raids to raise the ransom needed for his release.
Rise to Power as Algerian Ruler
Arouj eventually became the ruler of Algiers but was killed in battle in 1518. Hayreddin took up his mantle, continuing his piratical exploits. Seeking support, he proclaimed himself a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, receiving the title of Beylerbey and a force of 2,000 Janissaries.
Conquest and Defense of Algiers
In 1519, Hayreddin successfully defended Algiers against a Spanish attack, leading his men to slaughter the invading forces on the beach. However, treacherous local leaders forced Hayreddin to abandon Algiers temporarily. He established himself in the pirate haven of Djerba, and with the aid of Ottoman troops, he reconquered Algiers in 1525, supported by the local population.
Expulsion of the Spanish from Pénon
Hayreddin's relentless pursuits culminated in the capture of the nearby island of Pénon in 1529. After a protracted siege that left the fortress walls in ruins, Hayreddin's pirates stormed through the breaches, capturing the island. To secure his victory, he ordered the construction of a massive causeway connecting the island to the mainland—a testament to his strategic foresight.
Command of the Ottoman Fleet
In 1533, at the behest of the Grand Vizier Ibrahim, Hayreddin was invited by the Ottoman sultan to command the Turkish fleet in North Africa. With his own fleet in tow, Hayreddin arrived at the Golden Horn in the style of a Roman conqueror, his ships adorned and bearing lavish gifts for the sultan. He promised to defeat the sultan's primary maritime adversary, Andrea Doria.
Mediterranean Campaigns and Rivalry with Andrea Doria
Assuming command in 1534, Hayreddin expanded the Turkish fleet to 84 galleys and embarked on a 40-year period of intense naval warfare, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Lepanto. His first major campaign in 1534 saw him devastate the Italian coastline, including Reggio, Messina, Naples, and Fundi. He even anchored his ships near the Tiber River, a stone's throw from Rome.
Blockade and Escape from Tunis
In 1535, Hayreddin faced a Christian counter-offensive led by Andrea Doria. A massive fleet of 290 vessels, including imperial troops, blockaded Tunis. Outmaneuvered, Hayreddin withdrew to the stronghold of Bône, then fled overland to Algiers.
Recapture of Port Mahon and Return to Constantinople
Ten months later, Hayreddin raided Port Mahon on the island of Menorca, enslaving 5,500 people. With his captives in tow, he returned to Constantinople in October 1535, where the sultan rewarded his exploits by appointing him commander of the entire Turkish fleet and Beylerbey of Africa.
Continued Mediterranean Raids and Plunder
Based in Algiers, Hayreddin continued his raids, targeting islands and cities across the Mediterranean. He attempted to sack Nice, devastated Elba and the Aeolian Islands, and captured Bizerta and the island of Corfu. His victories netted him thousands of captives.
Franco-Ottoman Alliance and Piracy
In 1536, Hayreddin forged an alliance with France against the Holy Roman Emperor. On his way to France, he bombarded the port of Reggio, whose citizens were massacred by Ottoman troops. Hayreddin found a young wife in this conquered city. In Marseille, he was received with great fanfare but repaid the gesture by attempting to capture Nice. The French king was forced to pay a hefty sum to drive off Hayreddin's pirate fleet, which caused significant damage to French coastal towns.
Battle of Preveza and Naval Rivalry
In 1537, a combined Christian fleet under Andrea Doria defeated Hayreddin at Messina. Undeterred, Hayreddin exacted revenge in the Gulf of Preveza. Learning of Doria's plans to assemble a powerful Christian armada, Hayreddin met the enemy with superior numbers in the Ionian Sea. The ensuing battle remained inconclusive, with both sides maneuvering but ultimately avoiding a decisive engagement.
Continued Raids and Ottoman Conquests
From 1538 to 1540, Hayreddin continued his successful campaigns in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, earning the honorary title of "Guardian of the Faith" from the sultan. In 1541, a massive Christian fleet led by Andrea Doria attempted to conquer Algiers but was repelled by Hayreddin's pirates.
Pirate Stronghold at Djerba and French Alliance
Hayreddin recaptured Djerba, erecting a pyramid of Christian bones to mark his victory. In 1543, the sultan dispatched Hayreddin with a powerful fleet to aid Francis I of France in his war against the emperor. Hayreddin played a pivotal role in the siege of Nice, forcing its surrender in 1543 and receiving the port of Toulon as a reward.
Return Journey and Coastal Plunder
After peace broke out in 1544, Hayreddin ravaged and plundered the island of Elba and numerous cities along the Italian coastline on his return journey. He liberated his lieutenant, Dragut, who would later succeed him as commander of the Ottoman fleet.
Death and Legacy
In 1547, Hayreddin retired from active service. Having amassed immense wealth, he was able to achieve financial independence from the sultan. He built a magnificent palace overlooking the sea, as well as an exquisite mosque and mausoleum nearby. His remains were laid to rest in the mausoleum, and generations of Turkish warships saluted his memory as they passed by.
Hayreddin's contemporaries noted his extraordinary physical prowess, despite his average stature. His bravery, skill, and seamanship were instrumental in his success. Yet, alongside his intelligence and determination in attack, foresight and courage in defense, and tireless work ethic, Hayreddin possessed a ruthless and unforgiving nature.
Numerous Turkish vessels have been named in honor of Barbarossa. He left an enduring legacy, having shaped the Ottoman navy that would continue to contend for maritime dominance in the Mediterranean for decades to come.
