The History of the Maritime Wars of the Turks. Chapters I. to IV.Kâtip Çelebi
History
The History of the Maritime Wars of the Turks. Chapters I. to IV.
Kâtip Çelebi
Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683; Turkey -- History, Naval
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.
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