Fall of Tlemcen (1518)

The Fall of Tlemcen in 1518 refers to the Ottoman capture of the city of Tlemcen, the capital of the Kingdom of Tlemcen in present-day Algeria, marking the end of the Zayyanid dynasty's independent rule. The fall was a consequence of escalating tensions between the Zayyanids and the expanding power of the Spanish Empire along the North African coast, as well as the growing influence of the Ottoman corsairs, particularly the Barbarossa brothers.

Earlier in the 16th century, the Kingdom of Tlemcen found itself squeezed between the Spanish, who had seized control of several coastal cities, including Oran, and the growing Ottoman presence further east. Emir Abu Hamo Musa III of Tlemcen had sought assistance from the Spanish to counter Ottoman incursions. However, this alliance proved insufficient to maintain the kingdom's independence.

In 1517, Aruj Barbarossa, an Ottoman corsair, marched on Tlemcen after receiving an invitation from local factions opposed to Abu Hamo Musa III. Barbarossa seized the city and executed Abu Hamo Musa III, placing his brother, Abu Zayan, on the throne as a vassal ruler.

However, Abu Zayan was soon overthrown and killed by Spanish forces who intervened to restore the Zayyanid dynasty. The Spanish installed Abu Hamo Musa III's son as the ruler. This restoration was short-lived.

In 1518, Aruj Barbarossa returned to Tlemcen. The Spanish garrison, heavily outnumbered, was forced to retreat to Oran. Aruj once again took control of Tlemcen. Shortly thereafter, Aruj Barbarossa was besieged by Spanish forces and their Zayyanid allies near Tlemcen. He was killed in battle, but his brother, Hayreddin Barbarossa (Khair ad-Din), took command.

Hayreddin Barbarossa, though initially driven from the city, ultimately consolidated Ottoman control over the region. The Fall of Tlemcen in 1518 resulted in the incorporation of the kingdom into the Ottoman Empire, either directly or as a tributary state. While the Zayyanid dynasty continued to exist nominally under Ottoman suzerainty for several more decades, their power was severely diminished, and Tlemcen effectively became part of the Ottoman sphere of influence in North Africa. This event marked a significant turning point in the struggle between Spain and the Ottoman Empire for control of the Maghreb.