| Salim al-Thumi سليم الثومي | |
| Emir of Algiers | |
| Death Date: | October 1516 |
| Death Place: | Algiers |
| Spouse: | Zaphira |
| House: | Thaaliba |
| House-Type: | Tribe |
| Religion: | Sunni Islam |
Salim al-Thumi,[1] also known as Salim at-Tumi, was a leader of the Thaaliba tribe who ruled as emir of Algiers in the early 16th century. He was assassinated in 1516 during the capture of Algiers by Hayreddin and Aruj Barbarossa.[2] [3] [4]
Salim al-Thumi rose to power in Algiers at the beginning of the 16th century, backed by the city's merchant oligarchy. He reportedly married Princess Zaphira, a historical figure whose existence is debated.[5] Legend has it that she poisoned herself to avoid marrying Aruj Barbarossa after her husband's death.[6] The couple allegedly resided in the Jenina Palace.[7]
Salim al-Thumi favored appeasement with the Spanish. He agreed to pay tribute and acknowledged the suzerainty of Ferdinand II of Aragon. He also viewed the marabouts (Muslim holy men) as troublemakers and rivals.
However, the people of Algiers chafed under Spanish dominance and desired independence. Inspired by the protection afforded to the inhabitants of Jijel and fueled by old grievances against the Spanish monarchy, the Algerians called upon the corsair brothers, Aruj and Barbarossa,[8] to help them expel the Spanish.
Discredited and unpopular, Salim al-Thumi lost control of the population. He bowed to public pressure and consented to the intervention of the Barbarossa brothers.[9]
The people of Algiers enthusiastically welcomed Aruj Barbarossa. He seized power in 1516 after assassinating Salim al-Thumi in his bath, as al-Thumi had reportedly conspired with the Spanish and his tribe to eliminate the corsairs.[10]