Regency of Algiers
The Regency of Algiers was an early modern semi-independent Ottoman frontier province and vassal state on the Barbary Coast of North Africa from 1516 to 1830. Founded by the privateer brothers Aruj and Hayreddin Reis, the Regency became the centre of Ottoman authority in the Maghreb and a formidable base that waged maritime holy war (Jihad) on European Christian powers. It was ruled by elected regents under a stratocracy led by Janissaries and corsairs. Although European sources often associated Algiers with piracy, Algiers maintained long-standing diplomatic ties with European states and was a recognized Mediterranean power.