Battle of Taza (1553)
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| Battle of Taza | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Conflicts between the Regency of Algiers and Morocco | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Regency of Algiers | Saadi Sultanate | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Salah Rais | Mohammed al-Shaykh | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 1,500 men[6] |
30,000 cavalry 10,000 infantry 20 cannons | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||||
The Battle of Taza occurred in December 1553, it was a battle between the Regency of Algiers and the Saadi Sultanate.[6] Salah Reis left 1,500 men in charge of the victorious operation against the Moroccan camp near Taza, which was protected by a Moroccan army composed of 30,000 cavalry, 10,000 infantry and 20 cannons.[6]
The Wattasid Abou Hassan had implored the Christians for help in reconquering his state. He was able to obtain support in Lisbon from John III of Portugal, they demanded in return the cessation of Velez, Larache and Algiers.[7][8][9] A fleet of 5 Portuguese caravels transporting him was intercepted and defeated by Salah Reis in the Battle of Velez.[9] The Velez was captured by Salah Reis.[10]
Abou Hassan sought intervention against the Sharif in Fez,[2] having been captured by Salah Reis and held in strict captivity in Algiers prior to offering his vassalage to Salah Reis.[8] Consequently, Algerine guns were brought into Velez.[7]
Abou Hassan was supported by the Qadariyya Sufi order while his enemy, the Saadians, were supported by the Shadhiliyya Sufi order.[5] The Jazoulite Sufi brotherhoods and the followers of Sidi Ahmed Ben Youssef, repressed by the Saadian ruler, were ready to support Abou Hassan.[10]
