The Interaction of the Ottomans with the Foreigners A‘laj in Algeria during the Ottoman Era

Abstract

During the Ottoman period, Algerian society was divided into two main groups: urban residents and rural dwellers. Each group comprised various social categories, each differing in size and social status. Among these social groups, the Ottomans and the A‘laj (foreign converts) had particularly distinct interactions in urban centers.

The term A‘laj referred to Muslims of European origin—Europeans who were formerly Christians and had converted to Islam, becoming known as ‘Alj or ‘Ulūj. Their presence in Algeria during Ottoman rule led them to occupy various political, administrative, and leadership positions. Their integration with the Ottomans fostered interactions across diverse domains: social, cultural, political, and military. This research paper seeks to explore these areas of interaction, addressing the following main question: What were the spheres of interaction between the Ottomans and the A‘laj in Algeria?