Regency of Algiers

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The Regency of Algiers was an early modern semi-independent Ottoman frontier province and vassal state on the Barbary Coast of North Africa from 1516 to 1830. Founded by the privateer brothers Aruj and Hayreddin Reis (also known as the Barbarossa brothers), the Regency became the centre of Ottoman authority in the Maghreb and a formidable base that waged maritime holy war (Jihad) on European Christian powers. It was ruled by elected regents under a stratocracy led by Janissaries and corsairs. Although European sources often associated Algiers with piracy, Algiers maintained long-standing diplomatic ties with European states and was a recognized Mediterranean power. The Regency emerged in the 16th-century Ottoman–Habsburg wars. As self-proclaimed ghazis gaining popular support and legitimacy from the religious leaders at the expense of hostile local emirs, the Barbarossa brothers and their successors carved a unique corsair state that drew revenue and political power from its naval warfare...

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