Kılıç Ali Reis

Kılıç Ali Reis

Kılıç Ali Reis, also known as Uluç Ali Reis, was born in 1500. He was born in 1500 to a poor family in Italy. His family made a living from fishing. He was taken as a prisoner by the Ottoman Navy while he was traveling by sea to reach Naples. Captured by Ali Ahmet Reis, Kılıç Ali Reis served as a force in the Ottoman galleys. He has rowed as a force for many years.

After he became a Muslim, he gained his freedom and took the name of Ali. After this time, he started to work as a sea pirate. It is also known as the nickname Uluç. This name given to pirates, especially to non-Arabs. He started working with Turgut Reis in 1548. He took part in the defense of Mehdiye Castle against the enemies. Then, in 1560, he took part in the Siege of Cerbe.

He took part in the conquest of Tripoli with Turgut Reis. In 1551, he came to Istanbul with Turgut Reis. He was assigned as the head of the shipyard. Under the leadership of Piyale Pasha, he was found in the navy that opened to the Mediterranean Sea in 1560. In 1565 he took part in the siege of Malta. Following these campaigns, he was appointed as the Governor of Izmir due to his outstanding performance.

In 1568, he was awarded the post of Governor of Algeria. In 1567, in Spain, the Spaniards made attempts to destroy the Maghreb population. The only help to the Maghribi in the uprising was provided by Kılıç Ali Reis. Kılıç Ali Reis attacked the coast of Andalusia as the governor of Algeria. In 1569, he managed to take Tunisia from the Spanish. This event caused Spain to be known to the Ottoman Empire. The Spaniards entered a war against the Ottomans in 1571. Measures against the Crusader Navy, which was united against the Ottoman Empire, were taken by the Ottoman State. Captain Derya Ali Pasha, who opposed Kılıç Ali Reis, who defended the war on the high seas, refused to accept this request. In October 1571, during the Inebahtı Naval War, Kılıç Ali Reis led the left-wing of the navy. During the war, the Ottoman Navy was heavily defeated. During the Inebahtı Naval War, Kılıç Ali Reis defeated the left-wing of the enemy navy. After returning to Istanbul, Kılıç Ali Reis was appointed Captain Derya. In 1572, upon the request of Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, a large navy was prepared by Kılıç Ali Pasha. In 1574, together with Sinan Pasha, Kılıç Ali Pasha was opened to the Mediterranean Sea. The Navy, which recaptured Tunisia, has achieved great success. Kılıç Ali Paşa died in 1587 and was buried in the Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque.