Sinan Reis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sinan Reis
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Engraving of Sinan Reis
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| Nickname(s) | The Great Jew Sinan the Chief The Famous Jewish Pirate Sinan the Jew |
| Born | c. before 1533 Spain |
| Died | Unknown Ottoman Empire |
| Allegiance |  Ottoman Empire |
| Service/ |
Ottoman Navy |
| Years of service | c. before 1533-unknown |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Preveza |
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Sinan Reis was a famous sea captain, also known as Ciphut Sinan or "Sinan the Chief." He was sometimes called "Sinan the Jew" because of his background. Sinan Reis was a Barbary corsair, which means he was a type of privateer or pirate who sailed for the Ottoman Empire. He worked closely with the well-known Ottoman admiral, Hayreddin Barbarossa.
Contents
Sinan Reis's Early Life and Adventures
Sinan Reis was born in Spain sometime before 1533. His family was Sephardic Jewish and had to leave Spain or Portugal because of religious persecution. Many Jewish families fled to the Ottoman Empire, which was more welcoming. Sinan's family might have moved to Smyrna, a city in the Ottoman Empire.
Why Sinan Became a Corsair
After fleeing their homes, some Jewish people turned to attacking Spanish ships. This was a way to get revenge for the Inquisition, which was a time of harsh religious persecution in Spain. Being a corsair was also a way to earn money and make a new life.
His Nickname: "The Jew"
While many believe Sinan was called "the Jew" because of his Jewish background, some old writings offer different ideas. One writer from the 1500s thought he got the name because he once escaped from Christian ships. Another person from the 1800s guessed it was because he was interested in astrology. However, most historians today agree it was likely due to his Jewish heritage.
Battles and Famous Moments
Sinan Reis was based in different places around the Mediterranean Sea, including the island of Santorini. He fought in many important sea battles against the Spanish and the Holy Roman Empire. At that time, both were ruled by the same powerful leader, Charles V.
Evidence of His Actions
In 1533, English government papers mentioned Sinan Reis. They reported that the "famous Jewish pirate" was preparing a strong fleet of ships. He was getting ready to meet Spanish ships that were joining Andrea Doria, another famous admiral. This shows how well-known and feared Sinan was.
The Battle of Preveza
One of Sinan Reis's most important moments was at the Battle of Preveza in 1538. He sailed under Admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa against Charles V's fleet. Sinan had a clever idea: he suggested landing troops on land at Actium, near Preveza. Barbarossa wasn't sure at first, but Sinan's plan turned out to be very important for the Ottoman victory. His leadership helped win this major battle.
Later Life and Legacy
Sinan Reis passed away in 1556 after a serious illness. It is said that he died just a few days before he was supposed to leave for a raiding mission to the coast of India.
It's important to know that this Sinan (the pirate) is not the same person as another famous Sinan who is buried in a Jewish cemetery in Albania. That grave belongs to Kapudan Sinan (Sinanüddin Yusuf) Pasha, who was an admiral of the Ottoman fleet from 1550 to 1553. He is buried near his mosque in Istanbul.
See also
- Samuel Pallache
- Barbary slave trade
