Empire: World History 53. Barbary Corsairs: Raiding the British isles
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May 30, 2023 
Nabil Matar, a Professor at the University of Minnesota, specializes in the early modern relations between Britain and the Islamic world. He dives into the intriguing history of Barbary slave raids on the British coast, revealing the complexities of Britain's ties to North Africa during the Elizabethan era. Matar discusses the absurd tale of a British captive turned cook in Algeria, alongside the often-overlooked phenomenon of British individuals converting to Islam. He sheds light on the dynamics of slavery and international relations, unraveling a fascinating chapter of history.
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Elizabethan England and Barbary
- Queen Elizabeth I established relations with Barbary states, particularly Morocco, to counter Spanish power.
- This partnership involved trade, military equipment exchange, and even a proposed joint invasion of Florida.
British Converts in Barbary
- Some British captives voluntarily converted to Islam and integrated into Barbary society, refusing repatriation.
- They were motivated by opportunities for social mobility and, as Captain Hamilton noted, "Turkish women"
Barbary Slave Raiding
- Slave raiding in the Barbary states wasn't centrally organized like the Royal Africa Company.
- Ships were financed by local governors, with crews often including local converts who acted as navigators.
