Baba Ali Chaouch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Baba Ali Chaouch
Dey
Baba Ali Chaouche, by Pierre Duflos
Reign	1710-1718
Predecessor	Dely Ibrahim Dey
Successor	Mohamed Ben Hassan
Died	1718 Algiers, Deylik of Algiers
Regnal name Ali I
Arabic	بابا علي شاوش
Country	Deylik of Algiers
Religion	Sunni Islam
Occupation	Corsair

Baba Ali Chaouch, also known as Baba Ali Chaouche or simply Ali I, was an important ruler of the Deylik of Algiers. He led the region from 1710 until 1718. During his time, he made many big changes that helped Algiers become more independent.

Who Was Baba Ali?

We don't know much about where Baba Ali came from. Some people think he might have been of mixed Algerian and Turkish background. Others believe he could have been from the Kabyle or Georgian groups. What we do know is that he became a very powerful leader.

Becoming a Leader

Baba Ali Chaouch became the ruler, or Dey, of Algiers in 1710. This was a time when things were a bit chaotic. He took over from Dely Ibrahim Dey and quickly started to bring order back.

Big Changes in Algiers

Baba Ali made many important changes to how Algiers was run.

• He reorganized the government's main council, called the divan. He got rid of members who were causing trouble.
• He also made sure that the military, known as the Odjak, was loyal to him.
• He worked with the rais, who were leaders of private ships. These ships were like legal pirate ships, called privateers. They sailed the Mediterranean and brought a lot of money back to Algiers. This helped the city become very rich.

Algiers Becomes Independent

One of Baba Ali's biggest achievements was making Algiers more independent from the Ottoman Empire.

• He was the first Dey to also use the title of Pasha. This was a title usually given by the Ottoman Sultan. By using it himself, he showed that Algiers was in charge of its own affairs.
• He even refused to let the Ottoman Sultan's representatives have real power in Algiers. They could stay, but their roles were only for show.
• This move helped Algiers become an independent state, not just a part of the Ottoman Empire. Because of this, Baba Ali was very popular with the people of Algiers.

A Strong Government

Baba Ali Chaouch made Algiers a very organized and strong state.

• He clearly marked the borders of Algiers to the east and west.
• He made sure that local governments, called beyliks, were well-organized. Everyone knew their job.
• European countries started to see the Dey of Algiers as an equal ruler, not just someone who worked for the Ottoman Sultan.
• Under his rule, Algiers became like a country where the leader was chosen, and decisions were made for the good of Algiers itself.

Conflicts and Challenges

Baba Ali also faced challenges during his rule.

• In 1715, he declared war against the Dutch.
• He also planned to go to war with Britain, but he stopped when they sent him tribute (money or gifts).
• In 1716, a big earthquake hit Algiers while he was in charge.

His Passing

Even though there were many attempts to harm him, Baba Ali Chaouch died peacefully in 1718. He left behind a legacy of a stronger, more independent Algiers.

See also

• List of governors and rulers of the Regency of Algiers
• Barbary Coast