The Sultan Admiral: The Life of Barbarossa

If you are a fan of history, there's no doubt you have come across stories of extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world. One such person is none other than The Sultan Admiral Barbarossa. His life, filled with thrilling adventures and daring conquests, paints a fascinating picture of the Ottoman Empire's naval power during the 16th century.

Who was Barbarossa?

Hailing from a family of seafarers on the Island of Lesbos, Barbarossa, whose real name was Khizr, was born in the 1470s. Little did anyone know that this young boy would grow up to be one of the most feared pirates and naval commanders in history.

The Sultan's Admiral: The life of Barbarossa

by Ernle Bradford(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2360 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Early Years

At the age of 20, Barbarossa found himself aboard a pirate ship, where he quickly adapted to the life of a sailor and honed his skills in navigation and combat. His charisma and sharp mind gained him significant respect among his fellow sailors, leading to his rapid rise within the pirate hierarchy.

The Corsair Brothers

In the early 16th century, Barbarossa joined forces with his brothers, Oruç and Ilyas, to form a fearsome pirate fleet in the Mediterranean. Their audacious attacks on European ships and coastal towns soon garnered them infamy throughout the region.

Barbarossa became known as "Red Beard" due to the color of his beard, which he dyed red as a symbol of his ferocity in battle. This nickname added to the legend surrounding him and instilled fear in the hearts of his enemies.

The Sultan's Admiral

In 1533, Barbarossa pledged loyalty to the Ottoman Empire and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Recognizing his exceptional naval skills, the Sultan appointed Barbarossa as the Admiral of the Ottoman fleet.

Under Barbarossa's command, the Ottoman Navy grew stronger and more formidable. He successfully led campaigns against the Spanish, the Italians, and various other European powers, asserting the Ottoman Empire's dominance over the Mediterranean.

Legacy and Impact

Barbarossa's naval expeditions not only earned him respect and power but also influenced the balance of power in the Mediterranean. His prowess on the sea enabled the Ottoman Empire to secure crucial trade routes and establish control over significant strategic locations.

The Island of Djerba and the Battle of Preveza

In 1560, Barbarossa led a successful siege on the Island of Djerba, crippling the Spanish presence in the region. His epic victories continued with the Battle of Preveza in 1538, where he decisively defeated the Holy League, a Christian alliance formed to counter Ottoman expansion. These triumphs solidified his status as a legendary figure in naval warfare.

Death and Legacy

Barbarossa's eventful life as a pirate-turned-admiral came to an end in 1546 when he died of natural causes in Istanbul. Although his physical journey may have ended, his legacy lives on, leaving an indomitable mark on the annals of history.

Today, Barbarossa's story continues to inspire awe and fascination among history enthusiasts. His exploits at sea, his cunning strategies, and his unwavering determination have made him a legendary figure in the world of maritime warfare.

The Sultan Admiral's Example

Barbarossa embodies the spirit of adventure, courage, and ambition. His undeniable impact on the Ottoman Empire and the history of naval warfare serve as a reminder that individuals have the power to shape the course of history.

So, the next time you read about the great warriors and conquerors of the past, remember The Sultan Admiral Barbarossa and his extraordinary journey from a young boy on an island to a fearsome pirate and ultimately, the Admiral of the Ottoman fleet.

His story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to transcend one's circumstances to achieve greatness.

The Sultan's Admiral: The life of Barbarossa

by Ernle Bradford(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2360 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Sultan’s Admiral is a thrilling biography of Barbarossa, a legendary maritime figure.

Admiral, naval hero, pirate, warrior and empire-builder, Kheir-ed-Din – or Barbarossa, as he was known in the West – was a legendary figure. Born on Lesbos in Greece, he rose to become High Admiral of the Ottoman Navy, Sultan of Algiers and friend and advisor to Suleiman the Magnificent.

Barbarossa dominated the history of the Mediterranean in the sixteenth century. From the moment he and his brother, Aruj, established themselves on the North African coast, the pattern of life and trade in the Mediterranean changed forever – and for nearly 300 years after, it was affected by the activities of raiders from what came to be called the Barbary Coast. Barbarossa’s achievements in reorganising the Ottoman navy and his command of it helped the expansion of the Turkish empire that threatened all of Europe. When he died, Turkish records for the year announced, ‘The King of the Sea is dead’.

In this definitive biography, Ernle Bradford has brilliantly recreated Barbarossa’s remarkable life alongside a vivid portrayal of the Ottoman and Mediterranean worlds at this thrilling moment in history.

Praise for The Sultan’s Admiral:
‘A good, balanced account… constructed in an interesting manner’ - Goodreads review

‘The Sultan’s Admiral [is] highly informative and hugely entertaining’ - Kirkus Reviews

‘This is the story of a flamboyant personality, a man who risked everything and made his fortune. Interesting. Bradford is a great narrator’ - Amazon.com review

Ernle Bradford (1922–86) was a prominent British historian specialising in the Mediterranean world and naval history. Bradford served in the Royal Navy during World War II and later travelled throughout the Mediterranean, living for a while on Malta. As well as becoming a broadcaster for the BBC and a magazine editor, he was the author of many acclaimed books, including biographies of Cleopatra, Hannibal, Caesar and Nelson as well as The Sword and the Scimitar, The Mediterranean, The Story of the Mary Rose, Thermopylae, The Great Siege and Ulysses Found.