OTTOMAN CORSAIRS IN THE WESTERN ... - Bilkent University

More surprisingly, an incessant series of expedition between 1507 and 1511 was
realised; the only time when the Spanish ambitions were pursued in the region so
consistently. In addition, the characteristics of the Muslim response were shaped in the
same period. Finally, the establishment of the Ottoman corsairs as an efficient and
independent political entity which was realised in 1516 marked the end of the chapter.
Two points are worth mentioning when speculating on the preferences of Spain.
First of all, a united programme for both of the kingdoms cannot be pronounced. It
should clearly be indicated that the union between the crowns of Castilla y Leon and
that of Aragon was based on a marriage agreement rather than institutional bodies. Spain
was consisted in two separate kingdoms with two separate rulers, customs and set of
preferences. Castile was governed by a more authoritarian rule with a relatively
suppressed aristocracy while in Aragon the effect of the Cortes and fueros were
significant. Aragon was a Mediterranean state whose policy had always focused on
Italy, while Castile had not only conquered Granada (and later Navarre in 1512); but
also monopolised the trade with the New World. The aristocracy of Castile was a
military one, a social class eager to prompt incessant expansion. On the other hand since
the 13 th century, Aragon had enriched a merchant class thanks to the naval trade and the
wealthy urban class’ priority was the continuation of a naval trade, contrary to wage war
against North Africa. Their concern for the North African corsairs had a defensive
character. The fallibility of the political unity appeared palpable following the death of
Isabella when Philip of Habsburg and Fernando of Aragon challenged each other for the
regency of Castile. Having always disliked the Habsburgs, Fernando of Aragon
concluded a marriage with Germaine de Foix in order to assure the separation of two
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