Ottoman Algeria in Western Diplomatic History with ... - Bibliothèque

This confusion in legal interpretations could not apply to Algiers
because technically and constitutionally Spain was at perpetual war with the
‘Muslim infidels,’ therefore, and by virtue of reciprocity, Algiers found itself in
a similar position of perpetual war to defend Islam and its own existence as a
polity. 117
Furthermore, by legal implication of ‘holy warfare’ against
Christians, “the Deys considered themselves to be in a ‘permanent state of war’
with their Christian neighbors (and, in particular, post-reconquista Spain),
interrupted only by temporary treaties, or truce, with particular rulers.” 118
Therefore, the Algerian corsairs could not theoretically fall in periods where
war between Islamdom and Christendom did not exist. Consequently, they
could never be pirates but corsairs legitimatized in their actions by religious
faith and the continued existence of a state of war with their Christian
enemies. 119
3. Algiers: A Corsairing State
The men who laid the political and military foundations of Algiers were
convinced Muslims who, throughout their own experience, developed a deep
hatred for Christians. 120 Therefore, they were intent upon repelling the threats
117 The Spanish monarchs were bound by the will of Isabella that legged them perpetual war against the
Muslims of North Africa. The Most Catholic King of Spain, on ascending the throne, had to swear a
coronation oath stating that he would not be at peace with the infidels. Barnby, Prisoners of Algiers, p.
38; Grammont, Histoire d’Alger, p. 5.
118 Silverstein, “The New Barbarians,” p. 186; Muller, Consuls, Corsairs, and Commerce, p. 54.
119 Idriss Jazairy, current Algerian Ambassador to the United States, refuted that the practice of
corsairing of the Barbary States was ‘piracy.’ He argued that “privateering was an internationally
accepted practice at the time” and Algiers “like Europe and North America, targeted the cargo ships of
countries with which it was at war.” Idriss Jazairy, “Barbary Privateers,” New York Times, 23 March
2003, p. 12.
120 Arroudj himself suffered at the hands of the Knights of Saint John when they were in control of
Rhodes. His captivity and enslavement served as an “excellent school” for him. Rang, Régence
99