Alpujarras rebels begged the Ottomans for swift naval help

Evidence

We have heard of your lofty state, and your great generosity, and of your compassion to those who are forlorn and downcast, of your interest in our affairs and your sympathy for our suffering. The lofty king sent us a missive sealed with his seal and promising us help from many armed men in his fleet and everything we may need to sustain this land. Because we are now suffering so much, we once more have recourse to the Sublime Porte and ask for help from you and for victory for you. Help us and the God of Hosts will help you. My Lord, inform the mighty king of what is happening to us, and tell him about us, and of the great war we have on our hands. Tell His Highness that if he should deign to aid us, may he do so swiftly, and with haste, before we perish, for two powerful armies are coming against us, and if we are lost he will have to give account for us on Judgment Day. Much more could be said, and I only cease because a man has no more strength to speak. May God’s salvation and benediction be with you. — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1568

Categorization

• SHARE: For anyone into Ottoman-Morisco relations: this letter, dated Feb 11 1570, shows the rebels casting their survival as an Ottoman religious obligation (‘give account for us on Judgment Day’).