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

In Jijel and surrounding areas, Arruj and Khayreddin were perceived as
heroes of Islam and rapidly their reputation reached other cities that were
leaning under Spanish occupation. In 1516, they accepted a call for help
emanating from the city of Algiers. Given the dramatic events that ensued the
coming of the Turk corsairs to Algiers and its long-lasting consequences, the
event is a matter of historical debate. Some historians, particularly the British
diplomat and historian Sir Godfrey Fisher argued that Salim El-Tumi, the local
ruler, was loyal to the Spaniards so he could not have invited them. 63 However,
Stanley Lane-Poole (1854-1931), the British orientalist and authority on the
matter, argued that the offer was made when the rulers of Algiers rejected the
treaty of 1510 that bound them to pay tribute to Spain; therefore they feared
Spaniards’ retaliation and sought the protection of the Turks. 64
The most
plausible reason however is that, given Spanish occupation and inability of the
inhabitants of Algiers to dislodge them, the latter collectively pressed for
assistance from the Barbarossa because of their reputation as enemies of
Christians and their prior military success at Jijel. In all events, the Turks
originally came to Algiers as Muslim brethren saviors and not as conquerors.
At the head of a force of about 6,000 corsairs and 16 small galleys, or
galleots, the Barbarossa set out for Algiers and reached it without meeting
resistance. 65 Once at Algiers, they launched an unsuccessful attack against the
63 His view is defended on the basis of a letter from Francisco de Vera, commander of the expedition of
1516 against Algiers, addressed to Salim El-Tumi which described him as honorable and loyal. Fisher,
Barbary Legend, p. 48.
64 Lane-Poole, Barbary Corsairs, pp. 45-6.
65 Cordingly, Pirates, pp. 45-6.
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