Dey facts for kids
A Dey (Arabic: داي) was a special ruler in parts of North Africa under the Ottoman Empire. The word "Dey" comes from a Turkish word meaning "uncle." These rulers were in charge of Algiers (modern-day Algeria), Tripoli, and Tunis starting from 1671.
Twenty-nine Deys ruled in Algiers until 1830. That's when the French took control.
Who Were the Deys?
The Dey was chosen by local leaders. These leaders included important people from the government, military, and religious groups. Once chosen, a Dey ruled for life. They had a lot of power and were quite independent from the Ottoman sultan (the main ruler of the Ottoman Empire).
The Deys earned money in a few ways. They collected taxes from farmers. They also received religious payments. Another big source of income came from pirates! These pirates sailed the Mediterranean Sea, attacking ships. They paid the Dey for protection.
How Did the Deys Rule?
The Dey had a team of helpers to run things. This team included:
- The Chiefs of the Army and Navy
- The Director of Shipping
- The Treasurer-General
- The Collector of Tributes
The Dey of Algiers divided his land into three main areas, called provinces. These provinces were Constantine, Titteri, and Mascara. Each province was managed by a bey (باي), who was appointed by the Dey.
The End of the Dey's Rule
The rule of the Deys in Algiers ended on July 5, 1830. On this day, Hussein Dey (who ruled from 1765 to 1838) surrendered to invading French forces. This marked the end of the Dey's power in Algeria.
In Tripoli, the last Dey was killed by Ahmed Karamanli. Ahmed Karamanli then started his own ruling family, known as the Karamanli dynasty, in 1711.
See also
- List of Pashas and Deys of Algiers
- List of Pashas and Deys of Tripoli
- Baig
- Bey
