_Respecting the Affairs of Khair-ad-din Pasha._
This pasha, who arrived at the highest honours of his country, was a
brave and valiant soldier, and altogether an astonishing person. When
he was brought before the Sultan Soleiman Khan, he was treated with
the greatest attention, and was requested to write an account of his
adventures. In compliance with this request he selected, from the
writings of those who had been with him, accounts of his principal
adventures; and having formed them into a book, he forwarded it to the
Sultan of happy memory.
The greater part of these adventures we have extracted from that work,
and shall here insert them in order.
The pasha’s name was Hezr. His father Iacub was a soldier’s son at
Aja Ava, and at the capture of Metylini enlisted in the volunteers,
and remained in that island. He had four sons, Is’hak, Oruj, Hezr,
and Elias, each of whom carried on a trade at sea. Is’hak afterwards
settled at Metylini; Oruj continued his voyages to Egypt and Trabalos
Sham; and Hezr to Saros and Salonica. Whilst Oruj and his brother
Elias were sailing to Trabalos, they were attacked by some infidels of
Rhodes, and Elias fell in the struggle. Hezr was also made a prisoner,
and remained some time in the island. When he regained his liberty, he
petitioned Sultan Corcud, who was then in Anatolia, for permission to
go out as a corsair; which being granted, he sailed with a galley of
eighteen benches. He first plundered the infidels’ ships about Rhodes,
and then passed over to the coasts of Italy, where he attacked some
boats, and after several engagements, in which he took considerable
booty, returned and wintered at Eskenderia. Thence he went to the
island of Jarba, where he left his cargo, and made preparations for a
voyage to the infidel countries. On the accession of Sultan Selim to
the throne, his brother, Corcud Khan, was obliged to conceal himself,
and the Mediterranean ships were prohibited from sailing. Khair-ad-din
therefore took ship at Metylini, and sailed to Maghreb; whilst his
brother Oruj proceeded to the island of Jarba. Here the two brothers
met, and formed an agreement to carry on their wars together; after
which they repaired to Tunis, and requested some place of abode from
the governor. At that time Tunis was held by Beni Hefs, who appointed
for their use the castle of Halk-al-vad, upon condition that he should
receive a fifth part of all their plunder.
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 infidel coasts, and soon met a Spanish vessel in full
sail, to which they made up; but there being on board of her an infidel
beg, they had to fight sharply for some time. At last however they took
the ship.
The fame of these two men now began to be very conspicuous, and their
valour was celebrated along the shores of the Mediterranean. On one
occasion they went out with four ships, and proceeded to a castle
called Bajaia (Bujia), in the vicinity of Trabalos (Tripoli), of which
they had obtained possession. Here they were opposed by the Spanish
fleet, which gave them battle; but they bravely resisted them, and
by the favour of God were victorious. They took two of the ships,
and dispersed the rest, except one which Oruj Reis sunk. After the
engagement Oruj Reis went out, and whilst he was surveying the castle,
the enemy made an attempt to recover their vessels. Whilst Oruj Reis
was employed in repelling them, a shot from the castle wounded his left
arm. His brother took him on board, and had his arm dressed; but, as
the wound seemed incurable, they were obliged to amputate it. In the
mean time they took a barge and several small vessels, which they sent
to Tunis. Khair-ad-din himself sailed to the island of Majorca, which
he attacked, reduced several of the fortresses, and enriched himself
with the plunder of the villages. Whilst he continued his cruise, the
capudan of Corsica came out with eight galleys, and made preparations
for an engagement. Khair-ad-din turned upon the capudan’s galley and
attacked it; but the contest was long, and many men fell on both sides.
At last the infidels were beaten, and began to retreat. The two vessels
which they had taken Khair-ad-din obliged them to give up. He then
returned to Tunis, where he left Oruj Reis on account of his wound.
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.
Whilst his vessels were dispersed in search of plunder, one night after
he had lighted his lantern, he was followed by four barges, which he
did not observe till the next morning, when he turned upon them and
took all the four. These were laden with cloth; and when he carried
them to Tunis, he took out of them eight thousand pastas and bales
of cloth. Previously to this, on the same night, he had given chase
to another barge, which however contrived to escape from him, but it
was taken by the other ships, and being a French vessel, and fully
laden, he entrusted it to his nephew, Mohi-ad-din Reis, and sent it
with presents to the Porte; in return for which, the Porte sent him
two galleys and a robe of honour. After this no ship could venture to
withstand Khair-ad-din.
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. Besides those who fell, they took
five thousand prisoners; and the plunder of the castle they allotted to
the twenty thousand Arabs who had come to their assistance. They then
laid siege to the second castle, which they surrounded for twenty days;
but at last, their ammunition falling short, they sent for assistance
to the Sultan of Tunis, who however denied it them. In the mean time,
an infidel fleet of two hundred vessels arrived, and placed more than
ten thousand soldiers in the castle. Thus the Moslem troops were driven
desperate and obliged to withdraw. Previously to this they had run
their ships into the river; and the water having subsided, they were
left on the land; and not being able to put them to sea again, they
were obliged to fire them.
They then went overland to Jajl, taking with them the prisoners
they had taken from the fortress. The distance was sixty miles. At
this place were stationed Oruj’s ship and Khair-ad-din’s galley of
twenty-four benches. Oruj Reis remained at Jajl, whilst Khair-ad-din
with three ships proceeded to Tunis, where he bought four others, and
with seven volunteer ships, making in all fourteen, he put out to
sea. Soon after he was joined by Kurd Oghli Mussaleh-ad-din Reis with
fourteen ships; and his fleet now consisting of twenty-eight sail, he
proceeded to the infidel coasts. Near Genoa he saw eight barges laden
with corn, and having made himself known, they suffered themselves to
be taken without any resistance. On his return he met twelve more, all
which he also took. These were laden with cloth. The twenty barges he
sent by Kurd Oghli to Tunis, whilst he himself went to join his brother.
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 received at Jajl, and having perused it, made
preparations for his departure. The castle of Jajl he gave in charge to
his brother, and came to Algiers. There being here no regular governor,
he entered the town and took up his abode in it. Khair-ad-din also sent
nearly three hundred men to Jajl, whilst he himself returned to Tunis;
and as he was engaged with Kurd Oghli in dividing the plunder, he met
his brother Is’hak, who had just arrived at that place with the two
ships from the emperor and another from Gallipoli.
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 haste betook themselves to their ships, leaving six in
the harbour, and proceeded to Halk-al-vad. Here also Khair-ad-din was
in readiness; and valiantly repulsed them, not even suffering them to
land; so that they were obliged to return disappointed. About this time
Sultan Selim having conquered Egypt, Kurd Oghli went to meet him with
magnificent presents; and having paid his respects to him, reported
their engagement with the French. Khair-ad-din on the other hand fitted
up four ships with five hundred men and cannons, which he sent with his
eldest brother to Algiers, whilst he wintered at Tunis.
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 God he was victorious, and the Arabs were routed and obliged
to fly, leaving behind them nearly twelve thousand camels. After this
the infidel fleet arrived, and having anchored near the castle, they
began to land their men and take out their cannon. The castle being
in a dilapidated state, Oruj Reis was repairing the breaches when
the enemy made a sudden assault, and erected their standard on the
fortifications. Oruj Reis now led on his heroes against them, and a hot
engagement ensued. By the favour of God they were again crowned with
victory, and succeeded in taking the standard of the infidels, whom
they pursued and killed whilst flying to their ships. Only one thousand
of them escaped, who, entering their ships, set sail and departed.
After this Oruj Reis settled in Algiers, and the infidels were
constantly harassed and routed. He then sent information of his victory
to Khair-ad-din, to whom he offered the charge of the castle, as also
that of Jajl. Khair-ad-din accordingly went to Jajl, and securing the
sheikh-al-balad, made him engage to pay the annual tribute which he was
in the habit of transmitting to the infidels. After this he departed
and joined his brother.
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, and Khair-ad-din, not being able to find him, enriched
himself with plunder, and returned to Algiers. The two brothers then
divided the castles belonging to Algiers and Bajaia. These were ten in
number; five on the east side of Algiers, and five on the west. Those
on the east were assigned to Khair-ad-din Beg, and the others to Oruj
Beg; a census being taken of the population of each division.
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 inhabitants of this latter place having united with the
infidels, and disobeyed their magistrates, the Ulemas had pronounced
fatvas or decrees of death against them; but on the approach of Oruj,
the commercial intercourse between the principal men and the other
inhabitants was resumed. The governor being detected, was obliged to
fly; and his two brothers, who were in confinement, availing themselves
of the opportunity, made their escape, and fled to Fez. The governor,
however, went to the port of Tilmisan called Vehran (Oran), and craved
assistance of the Spaniards, who were then in the possession of that
port. They forthwith gave him large supplies both of money and forces;
and in addition to these, he collected by land about fifteen thousand
Arabs, with whom, and fifteen hundred infidel matchlock men, he left
Vehran, and came to Kalat-al-kala. Khair-ad-din being informed of this,
sent his brother Is´hak Reis, with a few troops, to defend it. As soon
as Is´hak had entered the castle the infidel troops arrived, and laid
siege to it. One night Oruj Reis made a sally, in which he killed about
seven hundred infidels, and took a hundred prisoners; but shortly after
the enemy were reinforced by the arrival of ten thousand infidels and
twenty thousand Arabs, an event which served to protract the siege
for six months, during which time several battles were fought with
equal fierceness and desperation on both sides. At length the towers
fell, and the besieged, now become desperate, rushed out, and commenced
plundering the enemy’s camp: a massacre ensued, and Is’hak, the brother
of Oruj, and his followers fell. Having taken Kalat-al-kala, the
infidels proceeded to Tilmisan, which they blockaded. Oruj Reis with
his attendants betook himself to the inner citadel, and there remained
shut up for seven months; during which period fierce encounters
occasionally took place: but at length Oruj with his troops evacuated
the citadel, and commenced a general attack upon the infidels. In the
engagement which ensued he and his followers suffered martyrdom, and
necessity compelled the inhabitants to yield.
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 respectfully to him, and abstained from offering any
affront to his army: The troops of Khair-ad-din amounted to only six
thousand, besides about twenty thousand Arabs whom he had subjugated.
When the infidel fleet arrived, they anchored opposite the island, and
sent a message demanding the surrender of Algiers. Khair-ad-din Beg
thereupon took his station in the field; and when the infidels bore
down upon him, they were repulsed with such bravery, that many of them
fell; and by the help of God he was completely victorious, and the
enemy fled in confusion to their ships. When the evening came on both
parties withdrew. The next day they again fought from morning till
evening, and on the third day the infidels drew off their field-pieces,
and being thrown into the utmost fear and confusion, most of them
were routed. Not more than about five or six thousand reached their
ships, and escaped. Of the spoil .which Khair-ad-din took, he gave
a part with a few horses to Hassan, the serasker of Tilmisan, and
giving him the command of two thousand Arabs and seven hundred regular
troops, sent him back to Tilmisan; but before he could reach it twenty
thousand Arabs had risen in arms, and the governor had fled; and when
he arrived, of nearly four thousand infidels, about seven hundred had
made their escape, and fled to Tunis, the rest having perished in the
revolt.
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.
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 the city was crowded with those assigned to the natives.
Some of them formed a conspiracy, and had made arrangements for their
escape, but were detected. Soon after a messenger arrived from Spain
offering 100,000 ducats for the ransom of the thirty-six officers. To
this the Ulemas would not give their consent; saying, that the captains
being expert in naval matters, and every one of them brave fellows, the
sum ought to be doubled: this however was not effected. Khair-ad-din
then sought some pretence for having them killed; and when he heard
of their attempt to escape, ordered a general execution. For the body
of the Admiral Ferdinand seven thousand florins were offered; but the
Moslems considering it improper to deal in carcases, threw it into a
deep well.
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 the khotba[22] and the coinage were made
in the name of the Ottoman Sultan, he would consent to remain with
them. To this they agreed; and Khair-ad-din having fitted out four
vessels, and loaded them with spoils, arms, and various presents, as
also forty valiant youths selected from among the prisoners, sent
them as a present to Sultan Selim. The illustrious emperor graciously
accepted them, and in return sent him a splendid sabre and a dress
of honour, with a sanjak[23], which he gave in charge to one Haji
Hussein, a servant of the Sublime Court. But on their way to Algiers
eight Venetian galleys attacked them, and killed all the servants of
Khair-ad-din Beg. Haji Hussein with three others escaped, and landed
at Motone, whence he returned to the capital. On application to the
Venetian governor, the ships were restored, and they once more set
out for Algiers. On their arrival Khair-ad-din came out to meet them,
and received with profound reverence the horse and sanjak, which the
emperor had sent him. He then assembled his divan, and ordered the
criers to proclaim the authority of the sultan. After having given a
splendid entertainment to the messenger, and treated him with proper
courtesy, he sent him back to the Porte.
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.
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 flight, took the castle. But not long after this he broke
his faith with Khair-ad-din, and joined the infidels; in consequence
of which, Khair-ad-din sent assistance to his brother (Abdullah) at
Vehran, whence the allies sent an army by land, and twenty-eight ships
by sea, to a castle called Mustaghanim, which they reduced. They then
sailed to the infidel coasts, which they plundered extensively, and
taking on board all the Moslems they could find in Andalusia, returned
to Algiers.
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 restored Abdullah was duly installed governor
by Khair-ad-din. The khotba was read, and coinage was issued in the
name of the emperor; and a garrison of an hundred and fifty men was
left in the castle. On the departure of Khair-ad-din, Massoud returned
and besieged it for three months; but the former hastened back to
its defence, routed Massoud in an engagement, in which he made him
prisoner; and he died in confinement.
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 afterwards, however, he again sent an army against
Algiers, under the command of his brother; but Khair-ad-din came out,
and having completely routed them, sent in pursuit of the fugitives
Kara Hassan, one of his attendants, who reduced all the fortresses
belonging to Tunis. But Kazi-Zadeh corrupted him also, and induced
him to come over to his own party. Khair-ad-din had now nothing left
him but the city of Algiers; and even here the inhabitants began to
be disaffected. Having discovered that it was the intention of the
Arab sheikhs to leave the city, he assembled his followers, who, as
about two hundred of the sheikhs were rushing towards the palace, the
gate of which opened into three roads, attacked and dispersed them,
taking several, whom they put in prison. The followers of Khair-ad-din
recommended a general massacre in the city; but this he prevented.
In the morning he assembled the citizens at the mosque, and reasoned
with them. One hundred and fifty of the insurgents he sent to prison,
and dismissed the others; whilst the twenty-five persons who had been
the original conspirators met the fate they deserved. Peace was thus
restored, which continued for two years.
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!) appeared to him in a dream, and seemed
to him to be commencing in person the operation of placing the
warrior’s effects in a ship. At this time information had been received
of the apprehension of Kara Hassan, with offers to deliver him up.
Khair-ad-din, therefore, under the pretence of going to secure him,
emptied his house, and in the morning loaded nine vessels with his
property, and put on board his family and servants. He then called for
the principal men of the town, and the men of Ibn Kazi, who wished to
make peace with him, and throwing them the keys of the city, exclaimed,
“The troubles of Islamism be upon your shoulders, ye wretches!” mounted
his horse, and went down to his ship. That night he lay in the harbour,
whilst the Algerines raised a great lamentation, and great and small
came to bid him farewell, and entreated him for advice. Khair-ad-din
recommended them to God, and telling them to wait three years, and that
they might then go where they pleased, he weighed anchor, and sailed
for 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 for himself a galley of twenty-seven benches, with which and
nine other vessels he began to plunder on the coasts of Tunis, taking
prisoners all who had been opposed to him, and burning their ships.
Shortly afterwards he met six barges laden with corn in the Gulf of
Genoa. When the people on board saw Khair-ad-din, they immediately
surrendered their vessels, which he took, and went to Jarba. He now
began to recover the favour of the people, and Aidin Reis, Shaaban
Reis, and twelve other reises, having heard of his invitation, joined
him with forty ships, and sailed on an expedition to the coasts of
the infidels, all the towns along which they attacked and plundered;
and having taken many prisoners, and acquired considerable wealth,
returned, and most of them wintered at Jijeli.
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 Algiers, rose up and addressed a letter to
the sheikhs of that place, inviting them to join him. This invitation
they accepted, and came over to him. Kazi-Zadeh, being informed of
this, collected an army of twenty thousand men, and came out to meet
Khair-ad-din, prepared to give him battle. He was defended on one side
by a mountain, at the foot of which he raised a mound; but when the two
armies engaged, he was put to the rout, and four thousand of his Arabs
were killed. He then took refuge in a fastness of the mountain; but
Khair-ad-din coming upon him, killed him, and put to flight part of his
army. The number of his matchlock men did not exceed eighteen hundred.
After this event, the Arab sheikhs from all quarters came and joined
Khair-ad-din, who, by proper management recovered all his former
possessions. When these transactions reached the ear of Kara Hassan, he
fled with five hundred men to Sharshal; but Khair-ad-din pursued him
with speed, attacked the rebel, took him prisoner, and put him to death.
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 ten thousand ducats, and having joined himself with
the infidels, and issued the khotba and the coinage in his own name,
Khair-ad-din sent him an admonitory epistle; to which however he paid
no attention, and preparations for hostilities were commenced on both
sides.
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 of ten thousand ducats for six years. His brother Ibn Kazi
having also rebelled, Khair-ad-din marched against him, and compelled
him to pay thirty _yūks_[24] of silver. Having now overcome most of the
difficulties with which he had been surrounded, Khair-ad-din began to
think of reducing the island opposite Algiers. On this island, which is
about a bow-shot from the city, there was formerly a small fortress,
of which the infidels by some means or other had obtained possession;
and when Khair-ad-din took Algiers they filled it with ammunition, and
strongly fortified it. Previously to that event these infidels exacted
a tribute from the citizens; and whilst the Moslems were calling to
prayers from the minarets, were accustomed to discharge the artillery,
and thus did considerable injury. On the arrival of Khair-ad-din Beg
at Algiers, they petitioned him to allow them to remain unmolested in
their fortress, promising at the same time never to set foot within the
city. Khair-ad-din however would not consent to a peace, but continued
to annoy them. This state of things had now continued, fourteen years,
when Khair-ad-din Beg blockaded the castle; and hearing that the king
of Spain had resolved to send to its succour, he continued his attacks
night and day for a whole week. The besieged then begged for quarter;
but this he refused, and took the castle, sword in hand. Besides those
who were killed, about five hundred men were taken prisoners. He then
ordered that the castle should be rased, and the passage filled up,
so that the centre might form a harbour; and it accordingly forms the
present harbour of Algiers. He next made the infidels repair those
parts of the town which they had destroyed with their cannon, and put
their chiefs to death. Nine barges which had come to their assistance
from Spain, not being able to find the castle, were about to return,
when Khair-ad-din pursued them with fifteen galleys; took them all by
force of arms, and returned to Algiers. Besides those who fell in the
engagement, one thousand seven hundred men were made prisoners.
The moral this event teaches is, that a barge may be taken by a galley
provided the commander of the latter be an experienced person.
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 vigorous pursuit, and at length came
up with them whilst they were lying off a barren island. A fierce
engagement ensued, in which Aidin Reis took the admiral’s ship,
and the others were voluntarily surrendered. Three of these ships he
emptied and sunk, three he burned, and the rest he brought to Algiers.
Khair-ad-din then reported this victory to the Porte.
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 France, and accordingly sent thither an ambassador to
request the galleys. France, in order to preserve the peace, complied,
and the galleys, together with the Spanish fleet, were given to Andrea,
who with a complete army on board, sailed for Algiers. Khair-ad-din,
on the other hand, equipped thirty-five ships at Algiers, and invited
Senan Reis from Jarba, who fitted out seven vessels, and joined
him. Khair-ad-din Beg had hoped to meet Andrea at Majorca; and in
anticipation of this had fortified the castle of Sharshal, which he
filled with Mudagils. But Andrea suddenly changed his course, and early
one morning came upon Sharshal with forty ships, and landed his men.
As they were about to commence their work of destruction, the Moslems
came out of the castle, and after a fierce engagement, put the infidels
to flight. Before they could reach their ships four hundred fell by
the sword, and six hundred and forty were made prisoners. The rest got
on board, and made their escape. When Khair-ad-din arrived he put all
the captives in chains. Among these was Andrea’s steward, from whom
they ascertained that his master was bound for Genoa, there to obtain
a reinforcement of troops. Khair-ad-din therefore immediately sailed
for that quarter; and having ascertained in the vicinity of Marseilles
that Andrea had on his way passed near to that place, he went to an
island about thirty miles from thence, and lay off there ten days. Here
they took a vessel that was passing by laden with cheeses from Majorca,
which had previously been taken near Toulon, a celebrated French port
not far from Marseilles; but through the negligence of the warriors on
board the goletta stationed there as a guard-ship by Khair-ad-din, the
captain made his escape with his own ship and four others, and gave
information respecting Khair-ad-din. The captain then returned to the
fortress, whilst Khair-ad-din turned towards the Genoese coasts, and
early next morning attacked a castle on the coast, which he succeeded
in capturing, and took the inhabitants prisoners. In the harbour he
found twenty-two ships; all of which he burnt, and demolished the
castle. He then directed his course towards Genoa; but was driven back
by a storm to the island off which he had formerly been lying; and here
he remained until the storm had subsided.
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 combat, she was taken and brought into port.
A few hours afterwards the other ship also made her appearance; but
owing to the approach of evening was too late to enter the harbour,
and remained out at sea. That night therefore they did not molest
her; but the next morning, as she was preparing to enter the harbour,
Khair-ad-din gave orders to commence an attack upon her from a
distance. Senan Reis however disobeyed these orders, and going too
near, had a musket-ball aimed at him, and was obliged to return into
the harbour; but Khair-ad-din, keeping up a distant fire upon the
ship, gradually weakened her; and the infidels on board perceiving she
began to leak, threw themselves into the sea, and were immediately
made prisoners. The warriors then towed the ship to the shore, where
they plundered her, and then sunk the hulk. They then dressed their
wounded and buried their dead; first reading over them the prayers
appropriated for the funerals of martyrs. This being done, they put all
the infidels in chains, and set fire to the ship which they had first
taken. Khair-ad-din having obtained from those on board these vessels
information respecting Andrea, returned to the Arab shores. Andrea then
left the river, and passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, went and
lay in the harbour of Seville; whilst Khair-ad-din on his part returned
to Algiers.
Some time previous to this the Sultan Soleiman Khan had sent out
Mustaffa, one of the _chiaoush_[27] of the Sublime Court, to obtain
information respecting a peace that had been concluded with the king
of France, and several other affairs. Khair-ad-din therefore wrote down
all the particulars he had been able to obtain, and transmitted them by
Mustaffa to the Porte. About this time also the son of Khair-ad-din,
Hassan Beg, (who by his mother’s side was descended from the Prophet,)
with some other reises, made two expeditions to Teiomlek, and took
immense booty.
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 rather come to his assistance by land. With this request he
complied; and at the same time resolved to send his fleet, under the
command of Andrea, to Motone. In order also to divert the attention
of Barbarossa, he sent men to excite the beg of Tilmisan to revolt;
and for this purpose he sent fourteen vessels to aid him in an
expedition against Algiers. Khair-ad-din was at this time preparing
for a voyage to the Sublime Porte; but immediately left his fleet at
sea, and marched to meet the enemy by land. The two armies met in a
desert, where a battle took place, and Abdullah, the beg of Tilmisan,
was routed, and fled back to Tilmisan. At the intercession of certain
persons, peace was restored, on the beg’s paying thirty thousand pieces
of gold; and Khair-ad-din returned to Algiers. Andrea now, finding the
sea clear, sailed towards the coast of the Morea, and attacked and took
the fortress of Corone; the Capudan Ahmed Pasha, who had this year gone
to sea with eighty vessels, arriving too late to save it.
In the Moghreb districts, Khair-ad-din having reduced the land side,
sent his chiefs with fifteen vessels to the Spanish coast, where they
burnt and destroyed the towns. Fifteen ships which had formerly been
taken by the Spaniards were now found at an island called Kïounlugé,
where an engagement took place, in which the Spaniards saved only one
of them, and the remaining fourteen were brought to Algiers, where the
immense booty they contained was divided.
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 this no longer, began to form themselves
into societies, and at length convened a general meeting, and took up
their position behind a mountain, whence they sent to beg assistance
from Khair-ad-din, who immediately sent over thirty-six golettas.
On their arrival they bravely withstood the troops that came out to
prevent the embarkation of the Moslems. A thousand men were stationed
on the field, whilst seven voyages were performed; and all the Moslems
were thus conveyed to the opposite shore, and delivered from the power
of the infidels. On their passage they captured several vessels, and
enriched themselves with plunder. On this occasion about seventy
thousand Mudagils were brought over, who settled in Algiers and other
places. This is the reason why most of the Algerines are Andalusians.
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 Genoa; and in order to prevent him from going, had recourse
to the stratagem of sending to Algiers a barge laden with a quantity
of merchandise, worth six thousand pieces of gold, and seventy of
the prisoners he had taken at Corone, with instructions to inform
Khair-ad-din that the king of Spain intended to come against Algiers.
Khair-ad-din perceiving the trick, made a feint of unmanning his fleet,
and casting trenches; and having emptied the barge of its cargo,
allowed the men to depart; who, on their arrival at Genoa, gave out
that Barbarossa had abandoned his intention of going to the Porte. This
intelligence pleased Andrea, who immediately proceeded towards Corone.
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 several of the captains. This offer the
begs were disposed to accept; but the _ulema_ (priests) prevented
them, saying, “That as these were powerful enemies, it would be
imprudent to give them their liberty.” The unfortunate prisoners were
thus left to despair. To keep them prisoners at Algiers was deemed
impolitic; and to put them to death seemed scarcely more advisable;
for, in either case, it was certain that the infidels would employ
the money intended for their ransom in purchasing Moslem captives
for the purpose of putting out their eyes, since they had previously
to this cut off the noses and ears of several Moslem chiefs, cutting
the cartilages, and otherwise maiming them; upon which Khair-ad-din
had sent a remonstrance to them, which had the effect of making them
desist from torturing their captives. Thus it was that Saleh Reis and
Torghudjeh, who were captives, escaped the torture. Khair-ad-din
however anticipated the consequences of retaining his prisoners; for
having seen in a dream that the captains had murdered the jailer, with
a view to effect their escape, he, by way of experiment, instructed the
latter, who was one of his relations, to ingratiate himself with the
prisoners, and endeavour to discover their secret. This he effected;
and so entirely did he possess their confidence, that they intrusted
him with a letter to the governor of Bajaiah, requesting him to send
them a ship, and informing him that it was their intention to murder
the guard of the prison, and thus make their escape; that there were
seven thousand prisoners in Algiers; and that if they did not succeed
in taking the city, they should at all events escape from prison.
Having first showed this letter to Khair-ad-din, the jailer proceeded
to Bajaiah to deliver it. On his arrival there he delivered the letter;
and a vessel was immediately prepared and sent off, so as to reach the
prisoners that night. The jailer, having been treated with the greatest
respect, returned, and related all that had passed to Khair-ad-din, who
immediately sent out a vessel to seize the one sent from Bajaiah, which
had just arrived; when the infidels on board, about 120 in number,
together with the captains in the prison, were put to death, on the
above accusation. Their letters he sent to the Genoese, who recognised
the handwriting, and necessarily kept silence.
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, all of which he took, and made the infidels on board prisoners;
and on approaching the town set fire to the barges. Being informed
that Andrea with twenty-four galleys and twenty-six barges had gone to
Corone, he sailed to Prevesa, whence the infidels sent intelligence
to Andrea that Barbarossa was seeking him, and cautioned him to be on
his guard: and in consequence of this information he went and secured
himself in Brindisi. Khair-ad-din, hearing this, sent twenty-five
vessels in pursuit of him. These overtook seven Anapolitan ships that
were following Andrea, five of which made their escape to Anapoli; and
the other two they took, and returned to Khair-ad-din. At this time
Khair-ad-din and his fleet had arrived at Navarin, where he had an
interview with the Capudan Ahmed Beg. He then proceeded to Corone, and
there liberated a few of his captives. On his arrival at the Straits he
received a pressing invitation from the emperor (whose glory is like
that of Jemshid) to enter Constantinople, which he did, amid the firing
of numerous salutes.
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 the august presence; and having kissed the royal hand,
each received a dress of honour and had a stipend allotted him; and his
majesty commanded that they should be sent to the royal arsenal, and
there exercise their skill in constructing vessels.
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 interview with Khair-ad-din his consent to
his departure. Khair-ad-din then set out by land; and on his arrival
at Aleppo, the vezier called a divan, and performing the ceremonies
of the istakbal,[31] showed him great respect. Khair-ad-din, having
according to custom kissed hands, had a place assigned him under all
the begs and pashas. Next day, however, when he came to the assembly,
he was clothed, according to the custom of the Osmanlis, with the robe
of the begler-beg of Algiers, and took his seat above all the other
begler-begs. After two or three days spent in feasting and transacting
unimportant business, he was sent back to the Porte, where he arrived
in twenty-four days, and resumed his affairs.