Key Facts
- Date of Algerian advance on Kef
- 10 July 1756; Kef captured 23 July 1756
- Algerian assault force
- 5,000 infantry, 1,000 spahis, plus Arab cavalry
- Tunisian defending force
- 14,000 men
- Estimated killed
- 5,000–6,000
- Tributary status duration
- More than 50 years
- Maltese naval support for Tunis
- 4 galleys and 2 vessels
Strategic Narrative Overview
The Algerian army under Hassan Bey of Constantine, divided into three corps, encamped before the Bardo palace. Initial Tunisian sorties and skirmishes produced inconclusive results. A decisive engagement saw Tunisian Moorish troops break and flee, while Turkish units fought longer before also retreating. After Algerian reinforcements of 2,000 men arrived, a final assault overran the entrenchments; Algerian forces entered the city and conducted widespread looting of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and palace quarters alike.
01 / The Origins
In 1756 the Beylik of Algiers, acting through the Bey of Constantine, moved to assert dominance over the neighbouring Beylik of Tunis. The Algerian army advanced through Tunisian territory, capturing and looting the town of Kef in late July before pressing toward Tunis itself. The Tunisian ruler, Ali Bey, and the military commander Sidi Mamet sought external support, obtaining a small Maltese naval force, but were unable to assemble a coalition capable of halting the Algerian advance.
03 / The Outcome
Tunis fell to Algerian control, with thousands killed and widespread pillaging. Sidi Mamet was captured, mutilated, and executed. The Pasha and his family were taken in chains to Algiers. The Beylik of Tunis was reduced to a tributary state, compelled to pay annual tribute and acknowledge Algerian suzerainty, a subordinate relationship that persisted for more than fifty years.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Hassan Bey of Constantine.
Side B
2 belligerents
Ali Bey, Sidi Mamet.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.