Did the Ottomans Capture Iceland During the 17th Century? Debunking a Popular Myth
There is a popular myth circulating that the Ottoman Empire briefly occupied parts of Iceland during the 17th century, possibly during the Barbary Wars. However, this notion is largely unfounded and stretches historical facts. In reality, the closest events related to the Ottomans and Iceland involved pirate raids by Barbary corsairs targeting northern European coasts but not Iceland itself. Let's explore the truth behind this myth and the historical events that are often misunderstood.
Understanding the Myth
The myth that the Ottomans captured Iceland stems from a misunderstanding of historical events and conflates various maritime activities during the 17th century. Despite popular belief, there is no evidence to support the idea that the Ottoman Empire ever launched a military expedition that resulted in the capture of the island. Instead, the myth has likely grown from raids by Barbary corsairs, who were operating under various flags and often imitating Ottoman symbols.
The Role of Barbary Corsairs
It is important to understand that the events often associated with Ottoman rule in Iceland were carried out by Barbary corsairs, who were primarily North African pirates operating under various flags, including that of their patron, the Ottoman Empire. These corsairs were known for their raids on northern European coasts, which at times included parts of what is now Denmark and Norway, but never Iceland itself. The misconception likely stems from the fact that these corsairs often flew the flags of their patrons, sometimes including the Ottoman flag, to add credibility to their raids.
Myth vs. Reality: The 1627 Raid
A closer examination of historical records reveals that the actual event referred to in this myth occurred in the summer of 1627. A Dutch pirate, , operated under an Ottoman flag, raiding Iceland for just over a month, from June 20 to July 19, 1627, with no intention of holding the island. His ship, while flying the Ottoman flag, required all occupants to convert to Islam and take Muslim names.
The Impact of the 1627 Raid
During this raid, the corsair's forces managed to capture the main port of Iceland and abducted hundreds of Icelanders. These captives were sold into slavery, and the descendants of these people can indeed be found among the modern Turkish population. Icelanders endured such harsh conditions during this period that being sold as slaves to Mediterranean cities like Istanbul, known as Mikligardur in Norse, might have been seen as a form of liberation. However, this does not alter the fact that it was a brutal and traumatizing experience for the people of Iceland.
Likely Reactions and Cultural Significance
The enduring cultural significance of this event is evident in the way it is still remembered and celebrated. For instance, during the 2017 FIFA World Cup, the Turkish national football team faced a similar scenario to their ancestors. Iceland (which had just secured its first-ever appearance in the tournament) managed to defeat the Turkish national team, officially ruining their hopes of making it to the finals. This event renewed the connection and cultural memory of the invasion, as the Icelandic team played music commemorating the raid and the lost compatriots, fostering a sense of historical revenge.
Conclusion
The events surrounding the supposed occupation of Iceland by the Ottomans are complex and often misunderstood. While the myth of Ottoman rule provides a certain narrative coherence, it fails to accurately represent the historical realities. Instead, the true story involves Barbary corsairs raiding Iceland for a brief period. This insight not only corrects a historic myth but also highlights the intertwining of piracy, power, and cultural significance that shaped the 17th century.
Related Keywords: Ottomans in Iceland, Barbary Corsairs, Ottoman invasion