Usta Murad facts for kids
Usta Murad was an important leader in Tunis. He was born in 1570 in a place called Levanto. He became a powerful sea captain. Later, he became the ruler of Tunis, known as the Dey. He ruled from 1637 until he passed away in 1640.
Usta Murad's Early Life
Usta Murad was born in Liguria. His father's name was Francesco Di Rio. We don't know for sure how he started his life at sea. Some say he was captured by sea captains from Barbary. Others think he chose to join the ships of Tunis.
He changed his name to Murad after becoming a Muslim. He started working as a privateer for Tunis. Privateers were like sea captains who captured enemy ships. He became very good at this job. By 1600, he was a trusted helper to Uthman Dey, the ruler at that time.
Becoming a Sea Commander
In 1615, another ruler named Yusuf Dey gave Murad an important job. He put Murad in charge of the ships in Bizerte. Murad kept this job until 1637. He commanded many ships that sailed the Mediterranean Sea. These ships helped Tunis gain wealth and power. They also faced ships from places like Florence and Malta.
In 1628, Murad was made the top commander of the Tunisian army. This was during a short war against Algeria. Even though his side lost, Murad kept his good reputation. People still respected him for his skills.
Family and Wealth
Usta Murad became very rich. He owned his own fleet of ships. He also made friends with important people in Tunis. He did not forget his family. His father came to live with him. Thanks to Murad, his father helped free prisoners from Liguria. Murad's brothers also joined him. They helped him with his business in places like Genoa, Livorno, and Marseilles. Their great wealth made Murad even more powerful.
Usta Murad Becomes Dey
When Yusuf Dey died in 1637, Usta Murad took power. He had help from another leader named Mami Ferrarese. He also had the support of Hammuda Pasha Bey. Some people in Tunis did not like him because he was not born there. Most rulers of Tunis were Turkish.
Murad ruled Tunis with Hammuda for three years. He kept good relations with France. He also made the port of Porto Farina much bigger. This port is now called Ghar el-Melh. It was a very important place on the coast. It became more important than Bizerte.
Usta Murad had a very large house in Tunis. He also built a special tomb for himself. His rule ended when he died in June 1640. His family is still one of the most important families in Tunis today.
