The History Of The Maritime Wars Of The Turks. Chapters I. To IV
Kâtip Çelebi
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THE HISTORY OF THE MARITIME WARS OF THE TURKS,
THE HISTORY OF THE MARITIME WARS OF THE TURKS,
TRANSLATED FROM THE TURKISH OF HAJI KHALIFEH BY JAMES MITCHELL. CHAPTERS I. TO IV. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE ORIENTAL TRANSLATION FUND. BY A. J. VALPY, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. SOLD BY J. MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET; AND MESSRS. PARBURY, ALLEN, AND CO., LEADENHALL STREET; MESSRS. THACKER AND CO., CALCUTTA; MESSRS. TREUTTEL AND WÜRTZ, PARIS; AND MR. ERNEST FLEISCHER, LEIPSIG. 1831. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE GEORGE JOHN EARL SPENCER, K.G. F.R.S. M.R.A.S. &c. &c. &c. THIS TRANS
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TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE.
TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE.
The work of which the following pages contain a translation was some time since recommended to the notice of the Oriental Translation Committee, by the venerable nobleman to whom this performance is inscribed, as being calculated to throw considerable light on the naval history of the Turkish nation. It is entitled تحفة الكبار في اسفار البحار A gift to the Great concerning Naval Expeditions . The author, Haji Khalifeh, 1 is known to all Oriental scholars as a deliberate and impartial historian,
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AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
In the Name of the Compassionate and Merciful God,—and on him we rely. In commencing the History of the Conqueror of the World, it is proper that all due praise should be ascribed to the Lord of the Earth and Time, who, according to the signification of the sacred verse, “ Certainly my Hosts shall be victorious ,” hath strengthened the armies of the Faithful: and having by his revealed decree and promise, “ I will fill with awe the hearts of the Unbelievers ,” terrified the enemies of the Faith:
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EXPLANATION OF THE GLOBE.
EXPLANATION OF THE GLOBE.
The different portions of land on the surface of the globe, which by attraction or repulsion are found projecting through the element of water, are, according to the rules of geography, marked by red and yellow. The yellow represents the continent, the little red spots are islands, and the white shows the water. The line drawn across the two circles is the equator, and the double red line on each side of it is the ecliptic, showing the sun’s extreme ascension and declension. Besides these are th
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EXPLANATION OF THE MAP.
EXPLANATION OF THE MAP.
The Mediterranean which is drawn on this map is, excepting the ocean, the largest of the six seas in the four quarters. It extends over ten degrees of latitude and thirty of longitude. From the Straits of Gibraltar in the east to the Syrian coast, it is computed to be seventy degrees. On its southern coast are, Fez, Tilimsan, Algiers, Tunis, Mahdiah, Jarba, Tripoli West, Alexandria of Egypt, and Damietta. Its western and Arabian coast terminates at Arish. On the east are, Gaza, Acca, Bairut, Tri
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THE VENETIAN ISLANDS ON THE COAST OF THE MOREA.
THE VENETIAN ISLANDS ON THE COAST OF THE MOREA.
The principal islands near this coast, subject to the Venetians, are these: Choka (Cerigo), fifteen miles south of Cape Menkesheh, and sixty miles in circumference; it has a strong castle. Zaklisa (Zante), fifteen miles west of Helomej, is a rocky island, and has a strong fortress....
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THE TOWNS ON THE ARNAOUT SHORES.
THE TOWNS ON THE ARNAOUT SHORES.
In the Atlas this country is called Albania. Fifty-six miles from the mouth of the Gulf of Lepanto is Prevesa; eighty miles from thence is the posterior part of Delvino; sixty beyond that Avlona; a hundred farther Duraj (Durazzo); and a hundred miles beyond that is Nuovo. On these shores, turning round from Port Injeer, in the island of Aiamur (Lefcathia) to the mouth of the Gulf of Narda (Arta), we first meet the castle of Prevesa. Next Parga, which is a castle belonging to the Venetians, situa
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THE HERSEK AND BOSNIA SHORES.
THE HERSEK AND BOSNIA SHORES.
Having passed Castel Nuovo, situated as before described on the Bay of Cattaro, and proceeding eighteen miles to the north, we come to the castle of Dobra-Venedik (Ragusa), situated in a district the inhabitants of which are an independent people, and whose territory extends from Hersek to Ghabla and Mostar. From this castle, Sebeneco is distant two hundred miles, and between them on the river Mostar is Ghabla, a harbour which has its Capudan. On the opposite side are two long islands belonging
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DESCRIPTION OF THE CHRISTIAN TOWNS.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CHRISTIAN TOWNS.
Along the coast beyond Zara are the forts of Nodi and Sein (Zeng), belonging to the Germans. Behind them, on the land, are Abrutisa, Bahka, Todornoi, Bamaluka, and Kostanitza. These are the frontiers of Croatia. Then, between Zara and Venice, which is a space of one hundred and fifty miles, lies the country of Istria. It is in the form of a square, and three sides of it are surrounded by the sea. It has in it, and on the shores, many towns and forts, some of which are governed by the Venetians,
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VENICE.
VENICE.
Venedik, as described in the Atlas, has various significations: it is also called Venechia and Venetia. It is a large city, built upon sixty small islands in a corner of the sea like a lake. Its waters ebb and flow every six hours; and some of the isles are raised like ramparts to prevent the water from overflowing. This city has three or four passages to the sea; and although it is not guarded by walls and towers, its being so completely surrounded by water renders it quite safe and free from a
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THE ITALIAN, FRENCH, AND SPANISH COASTS.
THE ITALIAN, FRENCH, AND SPANISH COASTS.
Having passed the city of Venice, we come to Ancona, Bashtia, Manfredonia, Brindisi, Cape Otranto, and Cape St. Maria, where the Gulf of Venice terminates. Turning thence to the west, we pass Taranto, Rossano, Cape Cotrone, Spartivento, and Cape Reggio: opposite which, in the island of Chichlia (Sicily), is Cape Messina; and the space between forms the Strait of Messina, which, like the Strait of Constantinople, is very narrow. Beyond these are Naples, Cape Gaeta, the river Rooma (Tiber), upon w
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THE EXPEDITION TO ENOS.
THE EXPEDITION TO ENOS.
Soon after the capture of Constantinople, the cazy and inhabitants of Ferra having represented that they were much annoyed by the wickedness of the Infidels of Enos, his Majesty (Sultan Mohammed) instantly resolved on subjugating those rebels; in consequence of which, Khass Ionas was summoned to the Sublime Porte, and his Majesty having communicated his design, ordered him to collect all the troops that were at hand; to fit out ten triremes, and sail with all possible haste to the appointed plac
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THE EXPEDITION TO AMASSERO, SINOPE, AND TREBISOND.
THE EXPEDITION TO AMASSERO, SINOPE, AND TREBISOND.
In the year of the Hejra 864 (A. D. 1459), the victorious sultan, Mohammed Khan, proceeded by land to reduce Amassero, a castle on the shores of the Black Sea; and at the same time sent forward other forces by sea. Being again crowned with success, he turned his attention to Sinope, then occupied by Ismael Beg, son of Isfendiar; and the grand vizier, Mohammed Pasha, having fitted up a fleet of one hundred vessels, manned by warlike heroes, set sail, and on his way to Trebisond touched at Sinope,
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THE EXPEDITION TO METYLINI.
THE EXPEDITION TO METYLINI.
In the year of the Hejra 866 (A. D. 1461), the emperor having returned from an expedition to Wallachia, he made preparations for the capture of Meddeli (Metylini); for which purpose he proceeded to the neighbourhood of Gallipoli, and there gave orders for the preparing of the fleet. When the Constantinople ships had also arrived, they set sail; whilst his Majesty, with the Imperial and Anatolian troops, having passed the Strait at Gallipoli, proceeded to Ayazmend; and the ships, tall as mountain
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THE EXPEDITION TO THE NEGROPONT.
THE EXPEDITION TO THE NEGROPONT.
In the year 872 (A. D. 1467), the army having returned from an expedition into Caramania, a complaint was made that the Venetian general with upwards of sixty vessels had made an attack upon Enos; taken prisoners the cazy, the khatib (priest), and several Mussulmans; and had plundered the neighbouring district. In consequence of this, Mahmood Pasha was ordered to proceed to Gallipoli to collect the fleet; and on this occasion all the vessels on the Ottoman coasts were given in charge to him. Amo
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THE EXPEDITION TO KAFA AND AZAK.
THE EXPEDITION TO KAFA AND AZAK.
The territory of Kafa, lying on the shores of the Black Sea, having for many ages been in the possession of the Genoese, the Turkish and Tartar princes, though united by their proximity to each other, had never, as yet, on account of its strong fortifications, been able to reduce it. In 880 (A. D. 1475), the victorious sultan Mohammed Khan, having resolved upon its subjugation, gave orders to Keduk Ahmed Pasha to prepare the fleet. The pasha immediately collected a number of galleys, triremes, &
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THE EXPEDITION TO PUGLIA.
THE EXPEDITION TO PUGLIA.
Keduk Ahmed Pasha, having been dismissed from the office of grand vezier and imprisoned, was by some circumstance brought before the Sultan Mohammed Khan on his return from an expedition to Eskenderia. On this occasion the Sultan was pleased to bestow the sanjak of Avlona on the pasha. In 884 he came to court, and having represented the facility with which Puglia, a district of Italy opposite Avlona, might be conquered, he petitioned for forces, and accordingly orders were issued to prepare a fl
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THE EXPEDITION TO MOTA.
THE EXPEDITION TO MOTA.
In 884 the illustrious Emperor, returning from a journey to Eskenderia, sent the beg of Koja-eili with thirty brak kadargas , 11 to take Mota, a castle situated on the sea of Azoph, in the neighbourhood of Kaffa, and which still remained in the possession of the infidels. On a former occasion, Keduk Ahmed Pasha, being pressed with more important affairs, did not attempt to take it; but at this time, as soon as it was blockaded by the noble troops, it was surrendered and evacuated by the infidel
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THE FORTIFYING OF BOOSJA.
THE FORTIFYING OF BOOSJA.
The island Boosja (Tenedos), near the Straits (of the Dardanelles), being destitute of a fortress, and as the levend 12 were in the habit of taking up their quarters there, a royal order was issued the same year, that a fortress should be erected near the shore of the island, and that those who were willing might reside in the neighbourhood exempt from taxes. The island of Lemnos, also, which they call Lemni , was fortified about the same time....
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THE EXPEDITION TO RHODES.
THE EXPEDITION TO RHODES.
The Moslems who resided in the island of Rhodes being much molested by the infidels, the chief commander, Vezier Messih Pasha, was in the year 885 ordered to proceed thither with three thousand janissaries and four thousand Azabs. Besides the vessels from Constantinople, sixty others had been built at Gallipoli. With these they set sail, and arrived at the island of Rhodes. They blockaded the castle both by sea and land, but first attacked the tower on the west towards the water, because from th
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THE EXPEDITION TO AVLONA.
THE EXPEDITION TO AVLONA.
In the year 889 the Sultan Bayezid Khan, having sent forward his fleet by the Black sea and proceeded thither himself by land, completely reduced Kili 13 and Ak-Kerman. In 897 the beg of Semendreh sent information that the king of Hungary being dead, the governor of Belgrade had promised allegiance to the Sultan. In consequence of this message his majesty directed his course to that quarter; but fearing it might only be a false promise, and that he might not return empty handed, he gave orders t
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THE EXPEDITION TO LEPANTO.
THE EXPEDITION TO LEPANTO.
The Sultan Bayezid Khan, contemplating an expedition in order to subdue the districts of the Morea and Enabekht (Lepanto), began about this time to build large ships. He appointed Davud Pasha, then a capudan, his serasker (commander-in-chief). He built two immense kokas , the length of each being seventy cubits and the breadth thirty cubits. The masts were of several trees joined together, and in the middle measured four cubits in circumference. The maintop was capable of holding forty men in ar
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THE EXPEDITION TO MOTONE AND CORONE.
THE EXPEDITION TO MOTONE AND CORONE.
Although the greater part of the Morea had been subjugated in the time of Abul-Fat’h (Mohammed II.), the fortresses of Motone and Corone on the coast still remained in the hands of the infidels. For the subjugation of these, the beg of Prevesa, Mustaffa Beg, was directed to prepare before the approaching spring forty vessels, which were to be added to the fleet. During the summer he built twenty vessels, and was just finishing them, when one dark night the infidels came and set fire to them all.
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THE EXPEDITION TO MITYLENE.
THE EXPEDITION TO MITYLENE.
The Venetians, in order to revenge themselves for the loss of Enabekht, Motone and Corone, sent to beg assistance from the king of France, 16 who, having equipped some vessels and appointed his nephew commander, sent them to join the Venetian fleet. The whole, amounting to two hundred vessels, set sail, and in the month of Rabia-al-Avul 907 (A.D. 1501) came upon Mitylene. The Prince Korkud, being informed of this, sent one of his agas with eight hundred men to Ayazmend, whence one dark night the
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PREPARATION OF A FLEET FOR RHODES.
PREPARATION OF A FLEET FOR RHODES.
In the year 923 (A. D. 1517), during the reign of Sultan Selim the First, the countries of Egypt having been subdued and added to the Ottoman dominions, in 925 it was considered necessary to open a road for the importation of the productions of that country. For this purpose the capture of Rhodes, the seat of pirates, was suggested to the victorious Sultan, who immediately began to prepare a fleet; but although for a long time reports of an intended expedition were heard from the ministers and n
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THE EXPEDITION TO RHODES.
THE EXPEDITION TO RHODES.
Sultan Soleiman Khan, of happy memory, ascended the throne in 926 (A.D. 1519); and the violence and oppression of Capudan Jafar Beg having been discovered, he was hanged, and his office was given to Iilak Mustaffa Pasha. After the capture of Belgrade, the subjugation of Rhodes being considered most important, the emperor, in the month of Rajab 928, came to the capital and issued orders for the preparation of an immense fleet; and a great number of sailors and azabs being collected, the second ve
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THE EXPEDITION OF SALMAN REIS.
THE EXPEDITION OF SALMAN REIS.
Before this period the Ottoman Sultans had not sent their victorious arms to the Indian Ocean. In the year 932, (A. D. 1525,) the Sultan Soleiman appointed the Corsair Salman Reis a capudan and commander, and sent him with twenty galleys to that quarter. He proceeded along the coasts of Aden and Yemen, and plundered the habitations of the rebellious and such as were not well affected to the Porte; in consequence of which, the sheikhs and Arabs of those districts came out to him with numerous pre
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THE EXPEDITION OF KEMAN-KESH.
THE EXPEDITION OF KEMAN-KESH.
About this time the office of capudan was held by Keman-Kesh Ahmed Beg, who in 940 sailed with eighty galleys, on an expedition to the Mediterranean, and having pillaged several of the infidels coasts, returned and was employed in the royal arsenal. This capudan was famous for his great strength, for he could hold an enraged ram with one hand. He was also a good archer. 21 He held the office of capudan till the arrival of Khair-ad-din Pasha from Algiers, about which time he died. Respecting the
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THE ENGAGEMENTS OF ORUJ AND KHAIR-AD-DIN.
THE ENGAGEMENTS OF ORUJ AND KHAIR-AD-DIN.
After the winter had passed, and the season for sailing had returned, the two corsairs fitted up two vessels, and left Halk-al-vad. They first came in contact with a large Genoese vessel, with a cargo of corn, which they seized without any ceremony. Shortly afterwards they met a huge merchant ship laden with cloth: this they also took without any loss of time; and returned to Tunis, where they gave up a fifth part of their plunder, and divided the remainder. They then once more made for the infi
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THE ENGAGEMENTS OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.
THE ENGAGEMENTS OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.
During the winter the warrior again went to sea, and became exceedingly rich, having taken in one month three thousand eight hundred prisoners and twenty ships. The captives he retained for himself, but all the booty he divided among his men. In the spring he again took the command of seven private vessels, and went to sea. On this occasion he attacked a town on the infidel coast, and having taken about one thousand eight hundred prisoners, he sold them for two thousand florins, and returned. Wh
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THE EXPEDITION TO BEJAIA AND THE CAPTURE OF SHARSHAL.
THE EXPEDITION TO BEJAIA AND THE CAPTURE OF SHARSHAL.
The warrior and his brother once more prepared ten vessels, and went out on an expedition to Bajaia. On their way they attacked a small fortress called Sharshal or Jajl, which they took without any difficulty; and putting into chains a hundred infidels whom they found in it, they left three ships with fifty men to guard it. After this they went on to the castle of Bajaia, where they landed their men and took out their cannon. Having closely blockaded it, they took it by assault on the fourth day
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DEPARTURE OF ORUJ REIS TO ALGIERS.
DEPARTURE OF ORUJ REIS TO ALGIERS.
At this time there was in the harbour opposite the castle of Jezaier (Algiers) a small fortress on an island about an arrow-shot from the city. The Spanish infidels had by some means obtained possession of this castle, and had thus in a manner shut in the inhabitants of the town. The unfortunate Algerines were therefore obliged to submit to them and pay tribute; till at last the oppression of the infidels became insupportable, and they wrote a letter of invitation to Oruj Reis. This letter Oruj
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ATTACK OF THE FRENCH UPON TUNIS.
ATTACK OF THE FRENCH UPON TUNIS.
The proceedings of Khair-ad-din Reis having surprised and alarmed the infidel nations, the French became enraged, and sent a fleet of thirty-three triremes against Tunis. On their arrival they landed at Benzarta; and Kurd Oghli being there at the time, he left his ships and went into the castle. The infidels having made an assault, took four of the ships; but as they were about to attack the fortress, the troops of Tunis came out against them, fought bravely, and repelled them. The infidels in h
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DEFEAT OF THE INFIDEL FLEET AND THE ARAB TRIBES AT ALGIERS.
DEFEAT OF THE INFIDEL FLEET AND THE ARAB TRIBES AT ALGIERS.
When the Arab tribes and the infidels heard that Oruj Reis had obtained possession of Algiers, the latter prepared to attack that place with a fleet of forty galleys and one hundred and forty barges, containing fifteen thousand men. The Arab troops likewise, having marched by land, arrived before the infidels in the neighbourhood of Algiers. Oruj Reis with his followers being prepared for battle, first attacked the Arab troops on the land side, and killed great numbers of them. By the favour of
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THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.
THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.
Previously to the above affair, the beg of Tilmisan’s brother had gone to Spain, and returning with assistance, had taken Tunis. The inhabitants of that place having sought redress from Oruj Reis, he sent his brother Khair-ad-din to their assistance. On the arrival of Khair-ad-din the infidels had left their ships, and taken possession of the castle. He then secured their ships, landed his men, and after a siege of two days, the enemy capitulated, and gave up the castle. Hefs Zadeh also fled, an
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THE CAPTURE OF TILMISAN.
THE CAPTURE OF TILMISAN.
The governor of Tilmisan was at this time tributary to the king of Spain, and was obliged to transmit his tribute annually. Being alarmed by hearing that Oruj Beg and his brother had become masters of Algiers, he entered into negotiations with Spain to assist him in removing them from that place. But just as the Spanish fleet and his own land forces were preparing for the expedition, Oruj Beg was apprised of it, and leaving his brother at Algiers, went off with a few troops to Tilmisan. The inha
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ATTACK OF THE INFIDELS UPON ALGIERS.
ATTACK OF THE INFIDELS UPON ALGIERS.
In the spring the infidels fitted out a fleet of one hundred and seventy ships, which they manned with twenty thousand soldiers, and sailed to Vehran, where they were joined by three or four thousand troops who were stationed in that place. These, under the command of the beg of Tilmisan, proceeded by land to Algiers. Khair-ad-din, on his part, assembled his followers, and having encouraged them, desired the natives to go out to meet the beg of Tilmisan. When they met him they behaved respectful
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THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.
THE CAPTURE OF TUNIS.
In the spring Khair-ad-din Beg being desirous to take this castle, its governor solicited assistance from Spain. Accordingly fifteen barges were sent to defend it; whilst Khair-ad-din sent eighteen ships, and himself proceeded against it by land. When he arrived at the castle he took it by storm, but with difficulty saved the ships which he had sent, five of which were taken. He then returned to Algiers....
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EXECUTION OF THE INFIDEL CHIEFS AT ALGIERS.
EXECUTION OF THE INFIDEL CHIEFS AT ALGIERS.
About this time, when Khair-ad-din’s ships were lying in the harbour, the Admiral Ferdinand from Spain entered it with a fleet of one hundred and ten ships. Khair-ad-din immediately came into the harbour, and after a hot engagement entirely routed the infidels. The admirals ship struck on the sand, when, in despair, he and six hundred infidels jumped overboard, and, with thirty-six captains, in all about three thousand men, were made prisoners. Two prisons underground were filled with them, and
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THE GOVERNMENT OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG AT ALGIERS.
THE GOVERNMENT OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG AT ALGIERS.
During these transactions Khair-ad-din assembled the citizens of Algiers, and addressed them in these words:—“Hitherto I have given you every assistance, and I have fortified your castle by placing in it four hundred pieces of cannon; now appoint whom you please as your governor, and I will proceed by sea to some other place.” All of them simultaneously began to cry out and beseech him not to leave them. Khair-ad-din answered that the begs of Tunis and Tilmisan were opposed to him; but that if t
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INSURRECTION OF THE PEOPLE OF TUNIS AND TILMISAN.
INSURRECTION OF THE PEOPLE OF TUNIS AND TILMISAN.
On account of the above proceedings, the begs of Tunis and Tilmisan became jealous, and concerted measures to corrupt Mohammed Beg and Ibn Kazi, two of Khair-ad-din’s most powerful begs. They at last gained them over to their party, and by giving money to the Arabs, would have conquered Algiers; but Khair-ad-din maintained a defensive position, and did not submit to them....
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THE CAPTURE OF MUSTAGHANIM.
THE CAPTURE OF MUSTAGHANIM.
As was previously mentioned, the two brothers of the beg of Tilmisan had fled to the king of Fez, and he having supplied them with forces, they marched against Tilmisan, and besieged it; but being deserted by their Arabs, Massoud (one of them) came over to Khair-ad-din, whilst his brother fled to Vehran. Khair-ad-din treated Massoud with kindness, and persuaded his Arabs to return to him: whereupon he again set out against Tilmisan with what forces he could collect, and having put his brother to
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THE SECOND CAPTURE OF TILMISAN.
THE SECOND CAPTURE OF TILMISAN.
When Abdullah, the brother of Massoud, had left Vehran and come to Tilmisan, with the troops of Khair-ad-din, Massoud came out against him, but was routed in an engagement, and driven into the castle, where he was shut up twenty days. One night, however, two hundred men scaled the castle walls and threw open the outer gates; but Massoud, who was in the inner castle, made his escape with two hundred horsemen. The criers then proclaimed Sultan Selim sovereign of the place; and as soon as order was
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REBELLION OF KAZI-ZADEH.
REBELLION OF KAZI-ZADEH.
About this time Kazi-Zadeh, the governor of Tunis, revolted, and having excited the Arab tribes against Khair-ad-din, came and besieged Algiers. The infidels inhabiting a small island near Algiers also effected a passage, and attacked the city on one side. For six months Khair-ad-din was engaged in various battles with the besiegers, but still remained unconquered. At length, on the approach of winter, Kazi-Zadeh was under the necessity of begging a truce, and returned to Tunis. Shortly afterwar
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DEPARTURE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG TO JIJELI.
DEPARTURE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG TO JIJELI.
A misunderstanding afterwards arose between the inhabitants of Algiers and Khair-ad-din Beg, whose troops quarrelled with the natives; and the intercourse between Algiers and the neighbouring places was interrupted. In this state of affairs, Khair-ad-din, being little better than a prisoner, determined on leaving the place; but was undecided as to taking his property with him. While he was perplexed about this matter, and was praying for direction, the Prophet (upon whom be the blessing of God!)
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OPERATIONS OF KHAIR-AD-DIN AT JIJELI.
OPERATIONS OF KHAIR-AD-DIN AT JIJELI.
On his arrival at the castle of Jijeli, which is situated on the coast of Moghreb, and in which he fixed his residence, a great scarcity of provisions arose; to remedy which inconvenience, he went out to sea with seven ships. On the infidels’ coast he came up with nine barges laden with provisions, one of which he sunk, and took the remaining eight. With these he returned and produced plenty, for which the people gave thanks. Seven hundred infidels were taken out of these barges. He then built f
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THE DEFEAT OF KAZI-ZADEH.
THE DEFEAT OF KAZI-ZADEH.
As the power of Khair-ad-din now began to increase, Ibn Kazi, from fear of him, sent him presents; but as he was not very peaceably disposed, Khair-ad-din evinced no friendship towards him. About this time some of the ships of the former arrived from Spain with Moslems; but when they touched at Algiers Kazi-Zadeh would not permit them to land; in consequence of which they came to Jijeli, and laid their complaints before Khair-ad-din. Khair-ad-din, who had been directed in a dream to return to Al
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RETURN OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG TO ALGIERS.
RETURN OF KHAIR-AD-DIN BEG TO ALGIERS.
Khair-ad-din when he left Algiers promised to return in three years; and that period having now expired, he fulfilled his promise, and once more entered that city. This hero was in the habit of seeking Divine guidance in all his affairs, and foresaw in visions most of the circumstances attending the battles he fought. The Arabs now attached themselves to him, and the people enjoyed security and ease. Abdullah, the beg of Tilmisan, having for six years refused to transmit his annual tribute of te
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THE ENGAGEMENT WITH ABDULLAH.
THE ENGAGEMENT WITH ABDULLAH.
Abdullah drew out his Arab troops, whilst Khair-ad-din marched against him from Algiers, and his efforts being crowned with success, he routed Abdullah, who fled, leaving behind him only eight thousand camels, which fell into the hands of the victorious troops. Abdullah then sent a messenger to sue for peace; and having read the khotba and issued the coinage in the name of the sultan, a peace was concluded, on condition that he should pay an indemnity of twenty thousand ducats, and an annual sum
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THE WARS OF AIDIN REIS.
THE WARS OF AIDIN REIS.
The admiral who had been taken in the above-mentioned expedition having informed them that the king of Spain had gone to Genoa, Khair-ad-din Beg appointed Aidin Reis to the command of his fleet, and sent him towards that quarter. The reis, sailing towards the infidel territories, plundered the coast about Marseilles, and took many Mudagils. 25 Fifteen vessels that had been sent from Spain to protect these parts were now cruising about; and Aidin Reis being desirous of attacking them, commenced a
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APPEARANCE OF ANDREA DORIA, AND ATTACK OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.
APPEARANCE OF ANDREA DORIA, AND ATTACK OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.
When the infidel nations could no longer navigate the seas, and there was no safety along their coasts, the king of Spain called a council to determine what measures were to be adopted against Barbarossa. 26 (Barbarossa in Italian signifies one with a red beard.) Andrea Doria, one of the most valiant admirals of Spain, taking his hat in his hand, said, if the king of France would give him twenty of his galleys he would venture to attack Barbarossa. Spain had at this time concluded peace with Fra
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THE FLIGHT OF ANDREA.
THE FLIGHT OF ANDREA.
Andrea not being able to reach Genoa from Sharshal, entered a large river in Spain, and thence demanded from Genoa three thousand men, and a supply of gunpowder and arms. These the Genoese had already forwarded in two large ships to the place where he was lying. The storm however drove them to Khair-ad-din’s place of rendezvous, and one morning one of them passed near his fleet, which, immediately the sail appeared, weighed anchor, and ten vessels proceeded to attack her; when, after a fierce co
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ATTACK OF ANDREA DORIA UPON CORONE, AND REBELLION OF THE GOVERNOR OF TILMISÁN.
ATTACK OF ANDREA DORIA UPON CORONE, AND REBELLION OF THE GOVERNOR OF TILMISÁN.
The Sultan Soleiman Khan having in the year 938 (A. D. 1531-2) gone on an expedition into Germany, Charles V., king of Spain, came to Genoa, and suggested to the Genoese government that as the Grand Toork (i. e. the Great Turk) was engaged in war, a favourable opportunity offered to plunder the Roumelian coasts: but his brother Ferdinand, emperor of Germany, despatched a letter to him, intimating that there would be no great merit in attacking two or three castles, and requesting that he would r
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STATE OF THE MUDAGILS OF SPAIN.
STATE OF THE MUDAGILS OF SPAIN.
Charles V. having gone by land to the assistance of Germany, was obliged to return disappointed and mortified. Before his time the Moslems who remained in the Andalusian towns, though they paid taxes, were allowed to call publicly to prayers, and to exercise their religious ceremonies. But when Charles became king, he issued a proclamation forbidding any one to worship according to the forms of Islamism, and commenced the work of immolation among the faithful. The Moslems, being able to endure t
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THE STRATAGEMS OF ANDREA AND OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.
THE STRATAGEMS OF ANDREA AND OF KHAIR-AD-DIN.
When Sultan Soleiman Khan returned from his expedition into Germany, he sent a letter by Senan Chiaoush to Khair-ad-din Beg, saying that he intended to undertake an expedition against Spain; and requesting him to appoint some trusty person to govern Algiers in his stead, and proceed forthwith to the Sublime Porte; and that if he could find no such person, he would inform his highness. When it became known that Khair-ad-din was about to set out for the Porte, Andrea left Seville, and came to Geno
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EXECUTION OF THE INFIDEL CHIEFS.
EXECUTION OF THE INFIDEL CHIEFS.
Among the infidel chiefs who were taken in the two ships before mentioned 28 there were twenty men of rank, and captains, and one hundred and twenty brave infidels, who wore golden chains about their necks. One of the captains was the son of the grand-master, ( μεγα μαγιστωρμεγα μαγιστωρ ,) who had been sent out from Rhodes; and when the agents of the Genoese government arrived to treat for their ransom, they offered large sums (amounting in the whole to 20,000 pieces of gold) for him and severa
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DEPARTURE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN FOR THE CAPITAL.
DEPARTURE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN FOR THE CAPITAL.
Khair-ad-din having thus disposed of most of the captives, appointed Hassan Beg, one of his most faithful servants, governor in his stead, and with several vessels fully equipped sailed for the Sublime Porte, in order to pay his respects. 29 Passing by Sardinia and Sicily, he went on to Genoa, near which place he one morning suddenly attacked and plundered a castle. Before this was made generally known he left Genoa, and proceeded towards Messina. On his passage thither he met eighteen barges, a
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ARRIVAL OF KHAIR-AD-DIN AT THE SUBLIME PORTE.
ARRIVAL OF KHAIR-AD-DIN AT THE SUBLIME PORTE.
On that day, which was about the middle of the year 940 (A. D. 1533), the vessels were moored opposite Galata; and on the morning following Khair-ad-din entered the house of the Capudan Ahmed Beg, in the At Meidan, which had been appointed for his reception. On the divan day, he went to the divan, taking with him eighteen reises, his companions, and rich presents, where he had the honour of kissing the royal hand, and had innumerable favours conferred upon him. The reises were also admitted into
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KHAIR-AD-DIN GOES TO ALEPPO.
KHAIR-AD-DIN GOES TO ALEPPO.
The illustrious emperor being prepared to set out on his sixth expedition, (which was to be to the Irakin, 30 ) in the above-mentioned year (940), in the month Rabi-al-Akher, (Oct. or Nov. 1533,) sent forward the Grand Vezier Ibrahim Pasha to winter at Aleppo. This general now sent a letter of invitation to Khair-ad-din, with a request that the emperor would allow him to depart. The emperor having at this time directed all his forces, both military and naval, to that quarter, expressed in an int
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THE FIRST EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
THE FIRST EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
On a propitious day Khair-ad-din Pasha sailed with the above-mentioned eighty-four vessels, and went towards Messina, where he demolished the castle of Reggio, which had been evacuated by the infidels. That night he lay with lantern lights, and prayed for success in an expedition he contemplated against Malta. Having had a favourable dream, he arose and set sail during the night, and by morning reached a castle called Santalohso, which he took and plundered. Seven thousand eight hundred prisoner
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KHAIR-AD-DIN’S EXPEDITION AGAINST TUNIS, AND THE ATTACK OF THE INFIDELS UPON THAT CITY.
KHAIR-AD-DIN’S EXPEDITION AGAINST TUNIS, AND THE ATTACK OF THE INFIDELS UPON THAT CITY.
At this period the kingdom of Tunis was held by the Beni Hefs, Sultan Hassan, the twentieth king of that branch, being the reigning monarch. His brother Rashid had some time before this gone with Khair-ad-din to the Porte, where a provision had been made for him. 33 Khair-ad-din was exceedingly anxious to add to the possessions of the Sublime Power the city of Tunis, and particularly the castle of Halk-al-vad (Goletta), on account of the conveniences it afforded for the wintering of a fleet, and
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KHAIR-AD-DIN’S RETURN TO ALGIERS.
KHAIR-AD-DIN’S RETURN TO ALGIERS.
About this time Khair-ad-din had given the fortress of Beled-al-enab in charge to a certain capudan, whom he sent thither with fifteen small vessels. On his arrival there, hearing of the attack of the infidels upon Tunis, he sunk the vessels by order of the pasha. On the fifth day after the above events Khair-ad-din went to Bajaiah, and thence to Beled-al-enab, where he gave orders that each reis should bring out his vessel, and placing several pieces of cannon at the mouth of the river, he repu
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CAPTURE OF THE CASTLE OF MINORCA36.
CAPTURE OF THE CASTLE OF MINORCA36.
Khair-ad-din having landed his men, laid siege to this castle; and when the attack had lasted four days, the governor of the island came out with six thousand infidels, when, after a furious engagement, he was routed, and his horse being hamstrung, he fell, and was killed on the spot. The infidels, seeing this, surrendered the castle. Khair-ad-din then abandoned the wealth of the place to the plunder of his warriors. Five thousand seven hundred prisoners were taken, and eight hundred were killed
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CAUSE OF THE COWARDICE OF THE INFIDELS.
CAUSE OF THE COWARDICE OF THE INFIDELS.
At the last-mentioned siege the Moslems had to resist the infidel begs for some days, on account of their superior numbers: for had they not possessed this advantage, they would not have fought in the position which Khair-ad-din had taken; since it is written in their books that it is lawful to fall alive into the enemy’s hand, and that they who fall in battle do not enter paradise; their learned men also teach this doctrine. It is related that Andrea Doria once asked a learned captive the reaso
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RETURN OF KHAIR-AD-DIN TO THE PORTE.
RETURN OF KHAIR-AD-DIN TO THE PORTE.
Whilst the king of Spain was on a visit to the Pope, and was boasting that he had killed Barbarossa and taken Tunis, the account of the capture of Minorca reached him, disclosed his falsehood, and obliged him to return with shame to his own country. Andrea having also heard of the fate of Minorca, resolved on going against Barbarossa. The latter had just left Algiers, and on his way came in sight of Andrea’s fleet, but not being observed himself, he took no notice of the fleet. The pasha next to
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THE EXPEDITION TO PUGLIA.
THE EXPEDITION TO PUGLIA.
The warlike pasha in the month Rabia-al-akher 943 (Sept. 1536) left the royal arsenal with thirty light vessels, and sailing into the Mediterranean, directed his course to a strong fortress called Castel, which he captured after a hot engagement. Having secured the prisoners, he plundered the fortress, and the winter season having set in, returned to the Porte to repair and refit his fleet....
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SULTAN SOLEIMAN’S EXPEDITION TO CORFU.
SULTAN SOLEIMAN’S EXPEDITION TO CORFU.
The cause of this expedition was this. In the time of Sultan Mohammed Khan, the conqueror, the kingdom of Puglia had been subdued, but when Keduk Ahmed Pasha succeeded to it, Spain demanded its restoration. The warlike emperor therefore determined to send a large fleet to that quarter; for the Grand Vizier Eias Pasha represented that the sanjaks of Avlona and Delvina, situated opposite to Puglia, being now subject to the Porte, the reduction of this territory ought to be considered a matter of i
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ACCOUNT OF THE TREACHERY OF THE VENETIANS.
ACCOUNT OF THE TREACHERY OF THE VENETIANS.
The Venetian infidels are a people famous for their great wealth, their extensive commerce, and their deceit and perfidy in all their transactions. Having by treachery taken most of the islands in their possession from the Hungarian princes, and these islands being on the borders of the Ottoman dominions, and deriving their subsistence and trade from them, the Venetians from necessity maintain a show of friendship, but are in reality the most inveterate of all the enemies of the faith. During th
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SIEGE OF CORFU.
SIEGE OF CORFU.
Accordingly, the expedition to Puglia having been abandoned, the imperial fleet was ordered to lay siege to and plunder the castle of Corfu, whilst the emperor left Avlona, and took up his quarters over-against the island. According to one account, a bridge of boats was constructed across the channel where its width did not exceed half a mile, by means of which the armies of the faithful passed over to the island. One hundred and forty villages in the neighbourhood of the town were all pillaged,
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ATTACK OF KHAIR-AD-DIN UPON THE VENETIAN ISLANDS.
ATTACK OF KHAIR-AD-DIN UPON THE VENETIAN ISLANDS.
The royal fleet leaving Cephalonia proceeded to Motone, where Khair-ad-din chose sixty vessels, with which he remained at sea, Lutfi Pasha returning with the rest to the Porte. Khair-ad-din first touched at Cerigo, whence he went to an island called Egina, which was a strong fortress. To this, having prepared his artillery, he laid siege, and after three days’ fighting, succeeded in capturing it on the fourth day, when he took four thousand eight hundred prisoners, besides considerable booty. He
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THE CAPUDAN PASHA’S PRESENT TO THE SULTAN.
THE CAPUDAN PASHA’S PRESENT TO THE SULTAN.
The morning after his arrival the pasha dressed two hundred boys in scarlet, bearing in their hands flasks and goblets of gold and silver. Behind them followed thirty others, each carrying on his shoulders a purse of gold; after these came two hundred men, each carrying a purse of money; and lastly, two hundred infidels wearing collars, each bearing a roll of cloth on his back. These he took as a present to the emperor, and having kissed the royal hand, was presented with robes of the most splen
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THIRD EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
THIRD EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
The winter season being nearly over, Sultan Soleiman gave orders to his veziers to equip a hundred and fifty vessels, and to send Khair-ad-din to sea. Accordingly, although the ships were not ready, the veziers pressed Khair-ad-din to sail; and he not consenting, they had recourse to stratagem, saying that Andrea Doria had gone with forty vessels to Candia, where he was waiting to intercept Saleh Reis, who with twenty vessels had gone to bring the Indian merchandise from Egypt. Khair-ad-din ther
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THE GRAND BATTLE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
THE GRAND BATTLE OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
About this time information was received that the Spanish, Papal, and Venetian fleets had assembled at Corfu, and attacked Prevesa; whereupon Khair-ad-din sent twenty small privateers to that quarter, which, on reaching Zante, came in sight of forty guard ships. These latter immediately returned to their fleet and gave information that Barbarossa was in the neighbourhood. The enemy then left Prevesa; which circumstance being made known to Khair-ad-din, when he was near Motone, he took in water a
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THE NUMBER OF THE INFIDELS’ SHIPS.
THE NUMBER OF THE INFIDELS’ SHIPS.
Andrea Doria had fifty-two galleys; the Venetian general, seventy; the Popes admiral, thirty; and the lieutenant of the Grand-Master of Rhodes, ten. The Spaniards and Portuguese had eighty barges, and the Venetians ten krakas, each of which contained two thousand arms of different sorts, and was equal to fifty galleys. Andrea Doria’s own ship was a huge galleon, with arms and ammunition beyond computation. Besides these there were a few barges from different places; the whole amounting to one hu
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ATTACK AND FLIGHT OF THE INFIDELS.
ATTACK AND FLIGHT OF THE INFIDELS.
On the third of Jemazi-al-avul, as Andrea Doria was preparing to enter the Gulf of Lepanto, Khair-ad-din sailed to Bahshiler, and having reached that place, he sent men to the mast-heads, who descried masts in the neighbourhood of Santa Maura and the harbour of Ingir. He therefore immediately weighed anchor, and sailed, prepared for an engagement. The infidels observing them, came out to meet them; and the wind being in their favour, the Moslems were overwhelmed with fear, for galleys are not ab
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CAPTURE OF CASTEL NOVO BY THE INFIDELS.
CAPTURE OF CASTEL NOVO BY THE INFIDELS.
Andrea, taking advantage of the storm which detained Khair-ad-din at Avlona, returned and attacked Novo; and the governor being a weak man, he with the most consummate assurance took possession of it, garrisoned it with six thousand soldiers, and left it....
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EXPEDITION OF SOLEIMAN PASHA TO INDIA.
EXPEDITION OF SOLEIMAN PASHA TO INDIA.
Spain had just completed the conquest of the New World; and so early as the year 900 (A. D. 1494.) the Portuguese, emboldened by her success, proceeded from the Western to the Eastern Ocean, and passing along the Mountains of the Moon, (where the blessed Nile has its source,) and the coasts of Abyssinia and Zanguebar, penetrated into India, and took possession of the fortresses of Sind. The kings of that country being too weak to resist them, the king of Guzerat applied for assistance to Sultan
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EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN TO CASTEL NOVO.
EXPEDITION OF KHAIR-AD-DIN TO CASTEL NOVO.
The recovery of Castel Novo, which some time before had fallen into the hands of the infidels, being considered a matter of importance both to religion and the state, on the return of spring Khosrow Pasha, the begler-beg of Roumelia, who had remained at Sophia, was sent thither by land. Khair-ad-din also, on the eighth of Rabi-al-akher, sailed with one hundred and fifty vessels, and with thirty-seven pieces of cannon besieged the fortress. After a discharge of eight thousand two hundred shots, o
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ATTACK OF THE KING OF SPAIN UPON ALGIERS, &C.
ATTACK OF THE KING OF SPAIN UPON ALGIERS, &C.
In the year 948 (A.D. 1541) the emperor went with his army on an expedition into Hungary, and sent Khair-ad-din at the same time with seventy galleys to guard the Mediterranean. At this time too, the king of Spain, in order to assist the emperor Ferdinand, and to plunder the Moslem territories, sailed with his fleet towards the Venetian coasts. When he heard that Khair-ad-din was at sea, ashamed to return to his own country, he proceeded to Algiers. For some time previous to this Khadem Hassan A
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FRANCE CRAVES ASSISTANCE OF THE PORTE.
FRANCE CRAVES ASSISTANCE OF THE PORTE.
In the year 949 Francis king of France sent an ambassador to the Sublime Porte, to request the aid of a naval force and other assistance, in consequence of a terrible feud that existed between him and Spain. Orders having been given this winter to fit out a considerable number of vessels, Khair-ad-din, in compliance with this request, equipped a hundred galleys, and in the spring of the year 950 sailed with a complete fleet for France. Several historical accounts agree in this statement. On this
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DEATH OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
DEATH OF KHAIR-AD-DIN PASHA.
The pasha, after remaining at sea two years longer, to protect its navigation, returned to the Porte, where he died on the sixth of Jemazi-al-avul, 953 (A.D. August 1546), upwards of eighty years old, and was buried in his tomb at Beshektash. The period of his death is chronogrammatically expressed in the sentence, 43 “The chief of the sea is dead.” May the mercy of God be extended to him! Of the Expeditions of the Capudans from the time of Khair-ad-din Pasha till that of Pialeh Pasha....
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THE EXPEDITIONS OF MOHAMMED PASHA.
THE EXPEDITIONS OF MOHAMMED PASHA.
After the death of Khair-ad-din Pasha, the vezier Mohammed Pasha was made capudan, and held that office for two or three years, when he was presented with the governorship of Roumelia. He was afterwards appointed grand vezier, and performed the functions of that office at Scutari....
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THE CAPTURE OF TRIPOLI BY SENAN PASHA.
THE CAPTURE OF TRIPOLI BY SENAN PASHA.
On Mohammed Pashas being made capudan he went on an expedition against Tripoli (West), which was formerly in the possession of the Tunisian kings, the Beni Hefs: but about A.H. 916 (A.D. 1510) the Spaniards, taking advantage of the supineness of the reigning monarch, Mohammed Ben Hassan, the nineteenth king of that dynasty, who was immersed in pleasure, captured the castles of Vahran, Bajaiah and Tripoli. The last of these places had now been forty-two years in their possession, when his majesty
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EXPEDITION OF PIRI REIS TO THE EASTERN OCEAN.
EXPEDITION OF PIRI REIS TO THE EASTERN OCEAN.
Notwithstanding Soleiman Pasha had, when he reduced Aden, left a garrison in that city, the people joined the Portuguese, the masters of India, turned away their faces from submission, and delivered up the fortress to the infidels. To recover it, Piri Pasha, the capudan of Egypt, (son of the sister of Kemal Reis, and author of the Bahria, 44 ) was sent from Suez with a fleet; and leaving the Red Sea, proceeded by the straits of Babelmandel to Aden, against the fortress of which he planted his ar
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SECOND EXPEDITION OF PIRI PASHA TO THE EASTERN OCEAN.
SECOND EXPEDITION OF PIRI PASHA TO THE EASTERN OCEAN.
Piri Pasha, the capudan of Egypt, left Suez A.H. 959 with a fleet of thirty sail, consisting of galleys, bashderdés, golettas, and galleons; and proceeding to Aden by Jedda and Babelmandel, sailed thence towards Ras-al-had, passing Zaffar and Shedjer. On his route he was overtaken near Shedjer by a storm, in which several of his barges were destroyed. With the remains of his fleet he attacked Muscat, a fortress in the Persian Gulf, in the country of Oman, which he took, and made the inhabitants
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EXPEDITION OF MURAD PASHA TO INDIA.
EXPEDITION OF MURAD PASHA TO INDIA.
The Sublime Porte now entrusted the command of the fleet to Murad Beg formerly governor of the sanjak of Katif, and ordered him to remain at Bassora, with the vessels already in his command, consisting of five galleys and one goletta. Shortly after, he quitted Bassora, at the head of a fleet of fifteen galleys and two barges, (one of his galleys having sunk,) and directed his course towards Egypt. Near Ormuz he met the infidels’ fleet, which he immediately attacked, and a desperate engagement en
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ACCOUNT OF SEIDI ALI, CAPUDAN.
ACCOUNT OF SEIDI ALI, CAPUDAN.
Seidi Ali Ibn Hosein, whose poetical appellation was Katebi, besides being famed for his poetical productions, was celebrated for his works on navigation and astronomy, as well in prose as in verse. He was author of a work called Mohit , (the Ocean,) on the Indian Ocean, and of another called the Merat al Kainat , (the Mirror of Creation,) treating of the science of the astrolabe, of squares, circles, and sines. He was moreover the translator of a work called the Fat’hia. There has never been hi
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EXPEDITION OF SEIDI ALI TO THE EASTERN OCEAN.
EXPEDITION OF SEIDI ALI TO THE EASTERN OCEAN.
In the month of Moharrem (December), A. H. 961 (A. D. 1553), the Capudan Seidi Ali, following the orders he had received, left Aleppo and proceeded to Bassora by way of Mousul and Baghdad. Favourable winds now began to blow, and the capudan, in order to avail himself of them, hastened to equip the five 45 barges that were lying there. Mustapha Pasha, the governor of Bassora, and a distinguished seaman, was absent from the city when Seidi Ali arrived; having been ordered by the Porte to sail with
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THE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN SEIDI ALI AND THE PORTUGUESE.
THE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN SEIDI ALI AND THE PORTUGUESE.
The Moslems immediately hoisted their colours, weighed anchor, and got in readiness all their warlike machines. With flags hoisted and sails spread, and looking in confidence to the Supreme Being, they set up Mohammedan shouts, and commenced an attack, the fierceness of which baffles description. By the favour of God, their fire struck one of the Portuguese galleons, which was wrecked on the island of Fak-al-asad. They fought bravely till night-fall, when the capudan hoisted the lights. The infi
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SECOND EXPEDITION OF SEIDI ALI, AGAINST THE CAPUDAN OF GOA.
SECOND EXPEDITION OF SEIDI ALI, AGAINST THE CAPUDAN OF GOA.
On the morning of the 26th of Ramazan the captain of Goa, the son of the governor, left the harbour of Muscat, and with his barges, guard-ships, and galleons, with their mainsails spread and colours flying, sailed against the Moslems, who, still trusting in God, remained near the shore prepared for battle. The enemy’s barges first came up, and attacked the galleys, when a sharp fire was opened on both sides, and a furious engagement ensued. The infidels then began to shower down their hand-grena
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THE RESULT OF SEIDI ALI’S EXPEDITION TO THE INDIAN OCEAN.
THE RESULT OF SEIDI ALI’S EXPEDITION TO THE INDIAN OCEAN.
From Bender Goader the capudan again sailed with nine vessels for the Indian Ocean, and directed his course towards Yemen. For a few days the weather was favourable, and they had arrived in the neighbourhood of Zaffar and Shedjer, when the westerly winds began to blow, and they were overtaken by the storm called the Elephant , before which they scudded, being unable even to carry the foresail. Compared with this, a storm in the Mediterranean is as insignificant as a grain of sand: day could not
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ACCOUNT OF A WHIRLPOOL.
ACCOUNT OF A WHIRLPOOL.
Suddenly the colour of the sea became changed to a whitish hue, and the sailors began to cry out. The cause of their alarm was what in the Indian Ocean is called a whirlpool, a thing very common about Gerdefoon on the Ethiopian coast, and in the bay of Chekd near Sind. It is stated in maritime works that ships getting into one of these must inevitably perish. Having sounded, and found they had only five fathoms water, they took in their sails. Towards morning the wind fell a little, and they sen
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THE EXPEDITION OF SENAN PASHA.
THE EXPEDITION OF SENAN PASHA.
In 959 the Capudan Senan Pasha went to sea with one hundred and twenty vessels, the command of which he held till the end of 960. He died in 961, and was buried at Scutari. The poet Sahari has thus commemorated the period of his death:...
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THE APPEARANCE OF TORGHUDJEH BEG.
THE APPEARANCE OF TORGHUDJEH BEG.
Torghudjeh was the son of a rayah called Veli, and was born at a village in the neighbourhood of Seroloz, of the sanjak of Mantesheh. Being of a brave spirit, at an early age he excelled in archery and wrestling. He afterwards applied himself to navigation, in which he acquired considerable fame, and was made capudan of a privateer. On one occasion, as he was oiling his vessel, Oghlan, an infidel captain, fell upon him, and carried him prisoner to Genoa. On this account Khair-ad-din Pasha sailed
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THE OCCURRENCE AT JARBA.
THE OCCURRENCE AT JARBA.
Whilst Torghudjeh was a capudan of the volunteers, he was on one occasion lying in a harbour called Kantar, in the island of Jarba, where he intended to oil his ships, amounting to eighteen, when Jeghaleh, a Venetian commander, came down upon him with a hundred and fifty vessels, blocked up the entrance to the harbour, threw overboard their ballast, and sat down to enjoy themselves; conceiving, that when Torghudjeh had exhausted his stock of provisions, they could take him and his ships without
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CAPTURE OF INFIDEL VESSELS.
CAPTURE OF INFIDEL VESSELS.
Torghudjeh now became the drawn sword of Islamism, and a brave and famous corsair. He frequently attacked the infidels ships, and destroyed their barges. He once met, at Mania, two barges, laden with corn from Salonica, bound to Venice, which he seized, showing no quarter to those on board. But his feats of this sort are numerous....
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THE VISIT OF TORGHUDJEH TO MOGHREB, AND THE INVITATION TO HIM FROM THE EMPEROR.
THE VISIT OF TORGHUDJEH TO MOGHREB, AND THE INVITATION TO HIM FROM THE EMPEROR.
On one occasion, when this chief was beg of Carli-Eili (Acarnania), he met a Venetian barge, the captain of which, not supposing Torghudjeh to be the principal capudan, and desirous of availing himself as much as possible of the wind, which was then in his favour, neglected to lower his sails, (a mark of respect always shown to great capudans,) or offer any presents. At this, Torghudjeh Beg took umbrage, and began to fire upon the barge from the three ships that were with him. The wind having fa
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THE EXPEDITION OF TORGHUDJEH TO BASTIA.
THE EXPEDITION OF TORGHUDJEH TO BASTIA.
In some historical works it is recorded that, in A. H. 960, Torghudjeh took the command of one hundred and twenty galleys, and sailed to Novocacia. Afterwards, in the month of Rajab, 961, he sailed up the gulf, and besieged Bastia, a Spanish castle on the Italian coast. After many attempts, he was on the point of taking it, when four thousand horse and three thousand infantry came to the assistance of the besieged, and repulsed the Moslems several times. At length, by the favour of God, on the s
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