Siege of Oran (1693)

Moulay Ismail set off on a campaign with an army of more than 20,000 men.^[3] He launched several raids against the Beni Amer and the other Algerian tribes, as to push them back.^[4] Oran itself was commanded by the Andrés Copola, Duke of Canzano.^[5] Moulay Ismail attempted a swift attack on 20 July, followed by another attempt on 24 July, both of which failed in the face of heavy artillery fire from the square and the firm defence of the Spanish garrison. His army suffered a real disaster and he had to retreat. However, during this retreat he was attacked in reprisal by Algerian Arab tribes under whom he previously raided. They achieved a victory over him, and successfully recovered a large amount of loot which was taken from them.^[2][3][4]

Moulay Ismael is said to have declared following his failed attempt:

Oran is like a viper sheltered under a rock: woe betide the imprudent person who touches it!

Following these events, the Sultan of Constantinople sent an embassy to invite Moulay Ismaïl to make peace with the Algerians and to respect their territory; the Sultan of Morocco accepted this invitation.^[4]

Oran was under Spanish hands until 1708, when Bey Bouchelaghem besieged and conquered the city from the Spanish.^[7]