Original scientific paper
Ulcinj Pirates and the Dubrovnik Republic in the First Half of the 18th Century
Vesna Miović-Perić
orcid.org/0000-0002-1383-4317
; Institute for Historical Sciences of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Abstract
During the first half of the 18th century, pirates from Ulcinj (Montenegro) frequently raided the territories of the Dubrovnik Republic, plundering everything they could lay their hands on and enslaving citiens of the Republic. According to data provided by Acta Turcarum, these attacks became more frequent after 1709. During the 1725-1731 period, callous Bobota and Ali-khoja pirates frequently attacked the citizens of the Dubrovnik Republic, among whom even 42 were taken prisoners and deported to Barbary. The inhabitants of the island of Mljet testified that pirates from Ulcinj used to land on the island pose as merchants, but then would steal everything they found. During the first half of the 18th century, Ulcinj inhabitants used to come to Dubrovnik to repair or have new boats built, and sought medical advice from Dubrovnik doctors. The authorities of the Dubrovnik Republic helped them sell slaves as well as set free imprisoned Ulcinj citizens. Ulcinj inhabitants who had certificates that they had never been involved in piracy were those who robbed and plundered. The Dubrovnik authorities tried to protect their own interest and avoid open conflicts.
Keywords
Ulcinj; Dubrovnik Republic; pirates; 18. century
Hrčak ID:
239981
URI
Publication date:
20.6.1992.
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