Ottoman Algeria in Western Diplomatic History with ... - Bibliothèque

In addition to Turks, the crews included Andalusians, natives, and
Christian renegades originating from different countries; by the 17 th century,
the latter formed as high as two-thirds of the total number of the crews. 90
Captured Christians with certain sea skills did not serve as oarsmen. Aboard
ships, they had freedom of movement but were “shackled when attack was
imminent.” 91 Finally, the Galley slaves, called oarsmen were for the most part
Christian slaves captured during corsairing expeditions. They were the rowers
who propelled vessels with oars. All corsair vessels also embarked a
complement of janissaries. Usually 100-140 men on board of a large vessel, the
Janissaries did not mingle with seamen and took no part in rowing or sailing; at
boarding, they were in charge of musketry. An Agha, a superior officer from
the Odjac, the corps of Janissaries, commended this group. With the Rais, he
participated in making decisions, especially when boarding another vessel.
Because he was entirely independent from the Ta’ifa, he formed an efficient
check on the conduct of the Rais. 92
Organization aboard vessels was meticulous which was a decisive factor
providing for the strength of the navy. The Rais Etterik, or prize captain, had
no task on the vessel. He was in charge of commandeering the prizes; another
officer was in charge of the heavy artillery. A khodja or secretary was assigned
to the Rais and served as his private secretary; he was also in charge of
90 Michel Fontenay, “La place de la course dans l’économie portuaire : l’exemple de Malte et des ports
barbaresques,” Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales, 43: 6 (1988), p. 1329; Albert Devoulx, “La
marine de la Régence d’Alger,” in Revue Africaine, 13: 77 (Sept., 1869), p. 387.
91 Cordingly, Pirates, p. 84.
92 Ibid.
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