Descendants of Turkish admiral Turgut Reis in Tunisia take pride in their heritage
Pharmacist Mohamed Radi Dargus (right), the eldest of the "Turgut (Dargus)" family in Tunisia, descended from the Tunisian wife of Admiral Turgut Reis, one of the most important figures in Turkish maritime history, and Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Ambassador of Türkiye to Tunisia (left), Tunis, August 2, 2024 (AA Photo)
Muhammed Radi Dargus, the descendant of historic Turkish admiral Turgut Reis through his Tunisian wife, expressed pride in his great-grandfather’s legacy. Dargus highlighted that Reis’ family in Tunisia holds a significant heritage with a 500-year history.
Dargus explained that Reis married a woman from Cerba Island in Tunisia about 500 years ago, which established the roots of the “Turgut (Dargus)” family in Tunisia. He noted that while Reis left Tunisia to participate in battles, his family remained in Tunisia. After Reis’ death, his remains were brought to Tripoli, Libya, and Dargus visits his great-grandfather’s grave every time he goes there.
Keeping Reis’ memory alive
Dargus, who founded the association “Turgut Reis’s Footsteps” to preserve Turgut Reis’ memory, mentioned that his family is among the prominent families in Tunisia and includes various professionals such as statesmen, doctors and lawyers.
He pointed out that most of the family now lives in the capital, Tunis, and emphasized that Turgut Reis’ Tunisian descendants have a rich heritage spanning 450-500 years.
Family ties in Tunisia-Türkiye relations
Turkish Ambassador to Tunisia Ahmet Misbah Demircan emphasized the importance of Turgut Reis’ family in the Tunisia-Türkiye relationship.
Demircan stated, “The family ties left to us by Turgut Reis are among the most valuable aspects of historical truths and Tunisia-Türkiye relations.”
He noted that during his time in Tunisia, he has visited many Turkish-origin families and highlighted that Reis’ legacy is a fundamental part of the relationship between the two countries.
Reis’ historical legacy
Reis was born in 1487 in Seravalos village, part of the Ottoman Mentese district. With a passion for maritime activities, he quickly rose to become a levent captain.
Appointed as the governor of Cerba Island in Tunisia in 1539, Reis served as the Pasha of Tripoli from 1556 to 1565.
He died on June 23, 1565, during the Siege of Malta and was buried in the mausoleum he had established in Tripoli.
Reis’ life and legacy serve as a significant bridge between his Tunisian family and the relationship between Tunisia and Türkiye.
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