Battle of Djerba

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The Battle of Djerba (Turkish: Cerbe Deniz Muharebesi, Arabic: معركة جربة) took place in May 1560 near the island of Djerba, Tunisia. The Ottomans under Piali Pasha's command overwhelmed a large joint Christian alliance fleet, composed chiefly of Spanish, Papal, Genoese, Maltese, and Neapolitan forces. The allies lost 27 galleys and some smaller vessels as well as the fortified island of Djerba. This victory marked perhaps the high point of Ottoman power in the Mediterranean Sea. Until about 1573 the Mediterranean headed the list of Spanish priorities under Philip II of Spain (1556–98); under his leadership the Habsburg galley fleet increased to about 100 ships, and more in wartime. Spain sent a major fleet against the Turks in 1560, aiming for the island of Djerba off the coast west of Tripoli. The fleet took the coast and, after much division between their commanders, built a fortress, hoping to use it to later reconquer Tripoli for the Knights Hospitaller, who had ruled it from 1530...

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