The Sultan Admiral: The Life of Barbarossa

Long before pirates became a popular theme in books and movies, the Mediterranean was ruled by fearless corsairs who struck fear into the hearts of sailors and merchants. One name that stands out among them is Barbarossa, the Sultan Admiral. With his long, red hair and fierce determination, Barbarossa became one of the most notorious pirates in history. This article delves into the intriguing life of Barbarossa, exploring his origins, his rise to power, and his legacy that still echoes through the ages.

Origins of a Legend

Barbarossa, whose real name was Khizır Reis, was born in the early 1470s on the Greek island of Lesbos. His exact birth date remains a mystery, adding to the aura of mystique surrounding his life. Raised in a seafaring family, Barbarossa acquired his sailing skills from a young age. As a teenager, he joined his brothers, who were already involved in piracy, in raids along the coastlines of the Mediterranean. This marked the beginning of a life full of adventure and plunder.

Rise to Power

Barbarossa's ambitions grew with every successful raid. His reputation as a skilled tactician and navigator caught the attention of the Ottoman Empire, which was expanding its influence across the Mediterranean. Recognizing Barbarossa's potential, the Ottoman Sultan invited him to join their navy. Barbarossa eagerly accepted, seeing an opportunity to amplify his influence and lead his own fleet.

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

Under the Ottoman banner, Barbarossa quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most trusted naval commanders. His strategic genius and audacious tactics gained him victories against the Christian naval powers, including the likes of the powerful Spanish and Venetian fleets. This propelled him to the status of a legend, feared by his enemies and revered by his allies.

The Sultan Admiral

After years of success, Barbarossa accomplished a feat unprecedented in pirate history. He was appointed as the Sultan Admiral by the Ottoman Sultan, giving him full authority over the vast Ottoman navy. With this title, Barbarossa became not only a pirate but also a high-ranking official of one of the most formidable empires of the time. This alliance between piracy and empire was a defining and controversial chapter of Barbarossa's life and left a lasting impact on the balance of power within the Mediterranean.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

With his acquired power and resources, Barbarossa went on to carry out extensive naval campaigns, expanding Ottoman control over various strategic ports and islands. These conquests not only increased the empire's wealth but also bolstered their naval dominance over the Mediterranean. Barbarossa's influence was not confined to the seas; he also played a crucial role in the Ottoman Empire's military campaigns on land.

Barbarossa's legacy extended beyond his military achievements. Despite his notorious reputation, Barbarossa was seen by many in the Ottoman Empire as a symbol of resistance against Western powers. He became a national hero, admired for his valor and his dedication to the cause of Islam. His story and depiction in literature, art, and folklore have endured over the centuries, immortalizing him as a legendary figure.

In

The life of Barbarossa, the Sultan Admiral, is a captivating tale of adventure, power, and the blurred lines between pirate and statesman. From his humble origins to ascending to the highest ranks of Ottoman naval command, Barbarossa's legacy has left an indelible mark on history. His daring raids, unmatched military prowess, and enduring influence make him an intriguing figure worth exploring. The legend of Barbarossa continues to inspire and fascinate, reminding us that the true stories of pirates are often more captivating than fiction could ever be.

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.