Illustrated Treatise on the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 34

The Minor Western Ocean: Northern Africa, Part 2

The governor [of Tunis] was called a Bey original: 彌 (Mi), while the governor in Tripoli was called a Pasha original: 巴札 (Bazha). Subsequently, both became vassal states of the Ottoman Empire original: 都魯機 (Duluji), referring to Turkey, with stationed troops to maintain control.

At that time, the inhabitants were divided into three groups: the Moors original: 摩羅 (Moluo), here referring to the urban ruling class of Turkish descent; the Arabs original: 阿丹 (Adan), who were the followers of Islam; and the Indigenous People original: 土番 (Tufan), referring to the Berbers, who were the ancient original inhabitants of the mountain valleys.

The Moors occupied the walled cities and towns and were fond of opium this is prepared by harvesting locally grown hemp and processing it according to specific methods; it is also called opium. The Arabs led a nomadic life of migration, using felt tents as their homes. As for the local indigenous people, most lived in the Atlas Mountains original: 阿特臘斯山 (Atelasi Shan), dwelling in caves or rock shelters and surviving by hunting with firearms.

However, the Ottoman soldiers were lawless and acted with impunity; they frequently murdered officials and committed robberies, causing the residents in every direction to suffer under their bitter oppression. Only the Kingdom of Morocco original: 摩羅果 (Moluoguo) remained unconquered, carefully guarding its own borders. Its king was also diligent in his administration and sought self-strengthening. Recently, the two nations of Tunis original: 都尼司 (Dunisi) and Tripoli have also restored their independence and established their own monarchs. Only Algiers original: 阿爾尼阿染 (A'ernia-ran) follows the [ruthless] Ottoman customs, specializing in plundering the merchants of various European nations—