The beginning of the XIX century. The city of Algiers... The port has been closed for several days now, and the streets, markets and squares are busier than usual. The privateers are about to embark on their next voyage. Whoever was their prey this time, the captured ship would be brought to port and the crew sold as slaves. Light and fast vessels are already equipped and are in the harbor. Every Moor or kulugli (descendant of a Turk and a local woman) who is familiar with maritime affairs is required to appear on the orders of the Rais (captains). In vain do some people try to evade, citing a large family, age, or the need to do other things; the Rais are adamant. Anyone who tries to escape is almost certainly going to die. The janissaries will also take part in the campaign: after all, some ships belong to the Dey of Algiers himself (the ruler who was elected at the council of janissary officers from 1671 to 1830), others are the property of the state and merchants... Cannon shots rang out, the signal for departure. The flotilla sails. The ships have a large yard span and wide sails, providing speed and maneuverability to skillfully approach the enemy vessel and board it. Privateers use cannon fire only when absolutely necessary: you can sink the coveted prize. Shots are fired again as the squadron passes the dey's palace. The crowd gathered on the pier sees off the corsairs with cheers... A similar pattern has been observed in the ports of Algeria, Tunis, and Tripoli for several centuries. The courage of the corsairs was legendary. Fast-moving vessels of the "Barbarians", as Europeans then called the inhabitants of North Africa, plowed the expanses of the Mediterranean Sea and went out into the Atlantic Ocean, sometimes reaching England, Ireland and even Iceland. In the era of so-called primitive accumulation, piracy was widely used by many Powers. England, France, and the Netherlands used filibusters to plunder Spanish possessions in America. Later, he received ... Read more