Ali Bitchin

Ali Bitchin (c. 1560 – 1645; sometimes spelt "Bitchnin") was a "renegade" (Christian converted to Islam) who made his fortune in Algiers through privateering. Bitchin was believed to be born with the family name of Piccini or Puccini or Piccinino in Venice. He was a Grand Admiral of Algiers and is known for the Ali Bitchin Mosque he built in the district of Zoudj-Aïoun in the old city (Casbah).

Bitchin became particularly well known through the captivity narratives published by Emanuel D'Aranda, his slave for about a year from 1640 to 1641.

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