Dragut was a protege of Barbarossa (Khayr ed-Din). He was known as a cruel and brutal opponent, and feared among many Christians. Through the 1550´s, Dragut managed to alienate most of his fellow Ottoman administrators and rulers in North Africa. His line was closer to the sultan of Constantinople than the local North Africans. His home town would be named after him, Turgutreis.
http://lexicorient.com/e.o/dragut.htm
The Ottoman navy, under the rule of the fierce Muslim corsair Barbarossa, started off sea battles which ranged from one end of the mediterranean to the other. The world held its breath... a significant naval battle victory for the Muslims would snuff out the flame of hope for a Christian Europe.
A particular rivalry was strong between the Knights of St.John. Suliman having Rhodes under his command, it seemed the Turks would sweep across the Mediterranean freely.
Dragut went to arms first under the corsair Ai Reis, intent on fighting against Andrea Doria, then later he went under Barbarossa´s command. Dragut brought back spoils and prisinors from the Adriatic to Tunis, where he resold them.
In 1456, Barbarossa died and the huge Turkish navy was now under Dragut´s command. When in 1550 the Knights won a battle against one of his fleets in Madhia. This incured Dragut´s wrath, and he attacked the Mediterranean isle of Malta, which was the current seat of the knights of the order of St.John. The island was a frequent target of Muslim attacks, and The Knights were working to turn it into a fortified and fully protected island. However the fortifications were still in their growing phase, and the shores were still relatively unprotected. Dragut was out of luck though - the battle was lost and the Turkish vessels were forced to flee. Of course, Dragut vowed to return and so he did.
http://lexicorient.com/e.o/barbary_pirates.htm
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