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

Murad Rais, pushed corsairing out of the Mediterranean to new distances never
reached before. The navy also absorbed the expelled Moriscos who joined
massively after 1609. Their skill, entrepreneurial capacities, and grievances
against Spain made them a precious asset for the navy. 121
In the 16 th century, most of the galleys were owned by the state and
functioned on a similar basis as the navies of other states. Nonetheless, there
existed a difference and it was of great significance: Algiers was at perpetual
war with Christendom therefore the fleet was constantly engaged in battles,
either squadron warfare or corsairing. In the 17 th century, the state continued to
own most of the galleys but many of the sailing ships were privately owned;
but at the end of the 18 th century, as the use of galleys declined, the Deylik
maintained ownership of the flagship only. 122 Ships were acquired and fitted
out by private owners who sometimes were the Ry’as of those ships, but most
of the time corporations of shipowners, merchants, corsairs, and state officials
armed the ships and shared in corsairing profit. 123
The liberalization of
ownership touched also ordinary people such as shopkeepers, artisans and even
women and prisoners. 124 In general, anyone who had savings could invest in
121 For Moriscos’ relations with Algerian corsairs see Hess, “The Moriscos,” pp. 6-9.
122 State Papers and Publick Documents of the United States, From the Accession of George
Washington to the Presidency, Exhibiting a Complete View of our Foreign Relations since that Time,
edited by Thomas B. Wait, 3 rd ed. (Boston, MA: T. B. Wait, 1817-1819), 10:42, Report of Secretary of
State Relative to Mediterranean Trade, Dec. 28, 1790). (Hereafter cited as SPPD).
123 Fontenay, “La course dans l’économie portuaire,” pp. 1338, 1340.
124 Women sold their jewelry and participated in the armament of corsairs in return for profits,
Grammont, Histoire d’Alger, p. 150; James L. Cathcart, an American prisoner, could make savings and
bought his own ship. Cathcart, The Captives, p. 157.
59