Peñón of Algiers

The Peñón of Algiers

Peñón of Algiers ("El Peñón de Argel") refers to a small islet off the coast of Algiers, fortified by the Kingdom of Spain during the 16th century. The islet was connected to the African continent to form a seawall and the harbour of Algiers.

History

Spanish fortress of the Peñón de Argel in Algiers, before being destroyed by Barbarossa.

Established in 1510 when the Spaniards settled on a small island in front of Algiers (modern Algeria), the Peñón of Algiers enforced Sālim al-Tūmī (Selim-bin-Teumi) to observe the terms of a treaty with Spain to accept a Spanish presence and to pay tribute.[1][2] Fortifications were built on the islet, and a garrison of 200 men was established.[2] Sālim al-Tūmī had to go to Spain to take an oath of obedience to Ferdinand of Aragon.[2]

The islet was captured in 1529 by Hayreddin Barbarossa in the Capture of Algiers (1529). Barbarossa dismantled the fortifications, ending the Spanish presence in the area.

References

  1. ↑ International Dictionary of Historic Places: Middle East and Africa Trudy Ring p.54
  2. 1 2 3 E.J. Brill's first encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936 by Martijn Theodoor Houtsma p.258

Coordinates: 36°46′N 3°08′E / 36.767°N 3.133°E / 36.767; 3.133

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