Barbary Legend

Barbary Legend describes from contemporary sources significant development in the western Mediterranean with special reference to Turkish contribution to thwarting Habsburg ambitions, facilitating the emergence of Britain under Stuart rule as a Mediterranean and Atlantic power, and promoting stability in the vicinity. The remarkable administration of Algiers during the three centuries of Ottoman occupation; the celebrated but obscure Capitulations; and the general problem of piracy, slavery, diplomatic practice, and commerce are discussed in detail. Continuous cooperation of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli with their empire extended to Egypt and the Black Sea, and affected Christian policy from St. Petersburg to Washington. Anglo-American interest in Barbary dates from voyages of Drake, John Smith, Mayflower and Tiger.