In the early 1600s, Iceland faced unexpected attacks from pirates hailing from Morocco and Algeria. At this time, the Ottoman Empire was deeply involved in various conflicts, including a lengthy war with the Habsburgs, tensions with the Safavid dynasty in Persia, and expansion efforts across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. The Barbary corsairs, operating under the Ottoman Empire’s influence, decided to extend their reach to Iceland.
These raids are not widely known outside of Iceland, as many historical documents have not been translated into English. However, thanks to translations and research by historians, we have gained some understanding of the events that took place in Iceland in 1627.
The first raid was carried out by Barbary privateers, often called Ottoman corsairs or pirates. Interestingly, these pirates were not typically Ottoman Turks but a mix of Arab and other Muslim renegades. Their usual targets were regions around the western Mediterranean, such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the British Isles. The primary aim of these raids was to capture locals for the Arab and Ottoman slave trades, which was also the case during their expedition to Iceland.
On June 26, 1627, pirates from the port of Salih on Morocco’s Atlantic coast landed in Iceland. They were led by a Dutch renegade known as Morad Rais, who had been captured by corsairs in 1618, converted to Islam, and became a pirate. During this raid, he aimed to capture both Icelanders and Danes, successfully abducting three Danes and twelve Icelanders. Besides their captives, they seized some hides and fish before departing. On their way out, they tricked a Danish merchant ship into allowing them to board by flying a false flag.
The second raid took place on July 5, 1627, when pirates from Algeria spent a week in the fjords north of Valnes. They captured over 100 locals and seized livestock and goods. They also captured and sank a Danish merchant ship. The crew, led by another Dutch renegade known as Murad Fleming, eventually reached the Westman Islands. There, they raided two villages over three days, capturing 234 Icelanders and killing 34 others.
There are a few first-hand accounts from this second raid that have been translated into English. One account comes from Klaus E. Olsen, the deputy sheriff of the Westman Islands, who documented the brutal murder of an Icelander named Bjarno Valdeson and the kidnapping and execution of his wife. He also described the fate of other Icelandic prisoners who were thrown into houses that were then burned.
The pirates took the reverend Oliver Egelson and his pregnant wife, along with their two young children, back to Algiers, where they would be sold into the slave trade. Despite the success of these raids, the Ottomans did not intervene. Sultan Murad IV, who was only 11 when he ascended to the throne, was preoccupied with internal issues and foreign conflicts, including a plague that devastated Constantinople.
Geography also played a role; the pirates had a more direct route to Iceland, while the Ottomans would have faced a much longer journey. Ultimately, the raids were profitable for the pirates, while the Ottomans had little to gain from an attack on Iceland.
If you enjoyed learning about these historical events and want to explore more about the Ottoman Empire and medieval exploration, consider subscribing to our channel and hitting the notification bell for updates on new content. We also want to express our gratitude to our generous Patreon supporters, whose contributions make the production of our videos possible.
Research the Barbary corsairs and their influence under the Ottoman Empire. Prepare a presentation that includes their motivations, tactics, and the impact of their raids on European regions, including Iceland. Use maps and visuals to enhance your presentation.
Participate in a class debate on the long-term impacts of the Ottoman raids on Iceland. Consider both the immediate effects on Icelandic society and the broader implications for European-Ottoman relations. Prepare arguments for both sides of the debate.
Write a creative first-person account from the perspective of an Icelander during the 1627 raids. Describe your experiences, emotions, and the aftermath of the events. Share your story with the class and discuss the different perspectives presented.
Analyze historical maps of the Ottoman Empire and the regions affected by the Barbary corsairs. Identify key locations and routes used by the pirates. Discuss how geography influenced the success of their raids and the challenges faced by the Ottomans in intervening.
Engage in a role-playing game where you represent different stakeholders involved in the 1627 raids, such as Icelandic leaders, Ottoman officials, and European diplomats. Negotiate solutions to prevent future raids and address the consequences of the attacks.
At the beginning of the 17th century, Iceland experienced a series of raids by pirates from Morocco and Algeria. During this time, the Ottoman Empire was heavily preoccupied with conflicts, including a 13-year war with the Habsburgs and ongoing issues with the Safavid dynasty of Persia, as well as expansion efforts across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. The Barbary corsairs, operating under the empire’s authority, decided to extend their reach to Iceland.
Information about these raids is not commonly known outside of Iceland, as many reliable sources and documents have not been translated into English. However, some translations and research by both amateur and professional historians have provided insight into what occurred in Iceland in 1627.
The first raid on Iceland was conducted by Barbary privateers, sometimes referred to as Ottoman corsairs or pirates. Interestingly, the pirates were generally not Ottoman Turks but a mix of Arab and other Muslim renegades. Their raids typically targeted regions around the western Mediterranean, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the British Isles. The goal of these raids was often to abduct locals for the Arab and Ottoman slave trades, which was also the case during their journey to Iceland.
On June 26, 1627, a group of pirates from the port of Salih on the Atlantic coast of Morocco landed in Iceland, led by a Dutch renegade known as Morad Rais. He had been captured by corsairs in 1618, converted to Islam, and became a pirate. During this raid, he aimed to capture both Icelanders and Danes, successfully abducting three Danes and twelve Icelanders. Aside from their captives, they managed to seize some hides and fish before leaving. On their way out, they tricked a Danish merchant ship into allowing them to board by flying a false flag.
The second raid occurred on July 5, 1627, when pirates from Algeria spent a week in the fjords north of Valnes, apprehending over 100 locals and capturing livestock and goods. They also seized and sank a Danish merchant ship. The crew, led by another Dutch renegade known as Murad Fleming, eventually made their way to the Westman Islands, where they raided two villages over three days, capturing 234 Icelanders and killing 34 others.
There are a few first-hand accounts from this second raid that have been translated into English. One account comes from Klaus E. Olsen, the deputy sheriff of the Westman Islands, who documented the brutal murder of an Icelander named Bjarno Valdeson and the kidnapping and execution of his wife. He also described the fate of other Icelandic prisoners who were thrown into houses that were then burned.
The pirates took the reverend Oliver Egelson and his pregnant wife, along with their two young children, back to Algiers, where they would be sold into the slave trade. Despite the success of these raids, the Ottomans did not intervene. Sultan Murad IV, who was only 11 when he ascended to the throne, was preoccupied with internal issues and foreign conflicts, including a plague that devastated Constantinople.
The geography also played a role; the pirates had a more direct route to Iceland, while the Ottomans would have faced a much longer journey. Ultimately, the raids were profitable for the pirates, while the Ottomans had little to gain from an attack on Iceland.
If you enjoyed this video and want to learn more about the Ottoman Empire and medieval exploration, be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell for updates on new content. We also want to express our gratitude to our generous Patreon supporters, whose contributions make the production of our videos possible.
Ottoman – A member of the Turkish dynasty that ruled the Ottoman Empire from the 13th century until the end of World War I. – The Ottoman Empire was a significant power in both European and Asian history, influencing trade and culture across continents.
Raids – Sudden attacks or incursions into enemy territory, typically to cause damage or disruption. – During the medieval period, Viking raids were common along the coasts of Europe, leading to significant changes in local societies.
Iceland – An island nation in the North Atlantic, known for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance in Norse exploration. – Iceland was settled by Norse explorers in the late 9th century, becoming a key location in the Viking Age.
Pirates – Individuals who engage in acts of robbery and criminal violence at sea. – The Caribbean Sea was notorious for pirates in the 17th century, who targeted Spanish treasure ships returning from the Americas.
Corsairs – Privateers or pirates, especially those operating in the Mediterranean Sea during the 16th to 18th centuries. – The Barbary corsairs were feared across the Mediterranean for their raids on European coastal towns and ships.
Geography – The study of the Earth’s physical features, climate, and human-environment interactions. – Understanding geography is crucial for analyzing historical events, as it often influences the outcomes of conflicts and trade routes.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – History provides insight into the successes and failures of civilizations, helping us learn from the past.
Slave – A person who is legally owned by another and is forced to work without pay. – The transatlantic slave trade had a profound impact on the history and demographics of the Americas and Africa.
Trade – The exchange of goods and services between people or entities, often across regions or countries. – The Silk Road was an ancient trade route that connected the East and West, facilitating cultural and economic exchange.
Conflicts – Serious disagreements or arguments, often resulting in prolonged fighting or war. – The Thirty Years’ War was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history, reshaping the continent’s political landscape.
