Believe it or not, Jewish pirates were powerful allies in the Ottoman wars against Spain, which had expelled and dispossessed them in 1492. They were also pioneers in discovering the New World, a new exhibition explains. Via Harissa website (with thanks: Michelle)
Sinan Reis was a member of a Sephardi family who fled the peninsula after the decree of expulsion and found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. He becomes Barbarossa's right arm. Among his military exploits is the victory against the Spanish Armada in 1538 at the Battle of Preveza, considered by many historians as the greatest maritime Ottoman victory against Spain. The ships were marked by a Star of David.
Samuel Pallache (Fallache?) was born in Morocco in 1550. A merchant, diplomat and pirate, he worked to unite Amsterdam and Morocco in the face a common enemy: Spain. He was the first to obtain an agreement between a Christian and a Muslim country. That contract negotiated the presence of a Jewish community in Amsterdam and construction of the first synagogue of the city, where one can see the skull and crossbones. He received a hero's welcome when he decided to end his life here, in 1615.
"Christopher Columbus left for the Americas and discovered a new world. Jews who had been forcibly converted and who had not renounced their religion took the opportunity to flee Spain. (The exhibition curator) Martine Yana adds: "the Inquisition spread terror. People were being accused of practising Judaism in secret (the offensive word"Marranos"). They monitored chimneys on Saturday to see if they smoked, if food was being cooked. They entered the houses to smell what people were cooking. In fact lard was used for cooking, Jews used olive oil. "
" So the "Marranos" joined the explorers, sailed with the conquistadors and were among the first settlers of the colonies of the New World. "They realised that Spain and Portugal were at war with England and Holland. They found a way to get revenge, to recover part of their wealth. Each pirate allies himself with a country to which he undertakes to hand over 50% of his booty. "
"These men, says Yana," had little belief in faith and law but they kept some communal principles. Thus, they did not loot on Saturday. Furthermore, the galley slaves on Spanish vessels were often freed "Marranos". They created small Jewish towns along the coast. This was particularly the case in Jamaica, soon captured by the British who allowed Jews to practise their religion. They were heavily implicated in the resulting pirate code of conduct. They promoted the equal sharing of spoils. They insisted that they did not swear on the Bible when becoming a pirate but sitting in a boat. "
They helped their community: "London was threatened by the Spaniards so the pirates reached an agreement with Cromwell to fight for him in exchange for the return of the Jewish community in London."
The story of 20 Jewish pirates is told at the Centre Fleg, Marseille until 4 June. www.centrefleg.com
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They were merchants, not pirates, who supplied countries who were sometimes at war.
ReplyDeleteThe Ashkenazi Kritzler has been peddling this interpretation of Sephardi traders being pirates for a long time, I see he finally found takers.
He based his "findings" on the "stars of David" engraved on ships, unaware that this was the seal of Solomon, a Muslim and Ottoman symbol (I have old Moroccan coins engraved with stars of David).
To call Samuel Fallache, a distinguished diplomat and prince merchant, a "pirate" is beyond contempt. Not to mention that he couldn't have been allied with the Ottomans, since Morocco fought both the Spanish and the Ottomans.
Another attempt to trash Sephardic heritage.
Despicalble to use "the Ashkenazi Kritzler"
ReplyDeletePractice what you believe to be preaching and don't demonize and "trash" other Jews. Particularly since most Ashkenazi Jews are profoundly aware of and interested in the history and traditions of their Sephardi brethren.
This was a bygone era of swashbucklers. These people justifiably fought against Spain - call them "pirates" or whatever you want, that's what they did. I believe this was a glorious chapter in Sephardi history and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Now if they also dealt in the African slave trade or committed any other atrocity against innocent people, then that would be different, but otherwise, I think we should revel in this bit of history.
ReplyDeletePiracy is a crime and pirates are and were criminals. Look it up.
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference between fighting Spain by forging alliances with her enemy countries,and robbery and killing at sea.
If anything, Jewish traders were victims of pirates who stole cargoes for which they were responsible.