The pirate who inspired Captain Jack Sparrow: Who is Jack Ward or Yusuf Reis?

The pirate known primarily as Jack Ward was one of the most famous sailors of the early 17th century. Born in England in 1553, Ward was a fisherman before turning to piracy. He was known for his colorful personality and exotic birds, as well as his bold raids on Spanish and Dutch ships in the Mediterranean.

INSPIRED JACK SPARROW

What makes Jack Ward's story so popular is that it inspired Jack Sparrow, the beloved character of Pirates of the Caribbean. Jack Ward, who inspired Jack Sparrow, became a Muslim over time and joined the Ottoman Empire.

John Ward or Birdy (c. 1553 – 1622), also known as Jack Ward or later as Yusuf Reis, was an English pirate who later became a Corsair for the Ottoman Empire operating out of Tunis during the early 17th century. According to writer Giles Milton, Jack Ward was an inspiration for Jack Sparrow of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise.

From 1585 to 1604, Jack Ward is known to have served in the Royal Navy during the Anglo-Spanish War. During this time, Ward, who was at war with Spain, the dominant power in Europe and the New World, had a large fleet of ships carrying goods and spices from Asia as well as gold and silver from the colonies in America. These ships were attractive to government-licensed pirates, who were authorized by Queen Elizabeth I to attack and plunder Spanish ships.

HE KNEW HOW TO PLAY DOUBLE WELL

Jack Ward was a pirate who used his skills to attack Spanish ships and get rich. At that time, Dutch ships, which were allies of England but were in trade with Spain, were being attacked. This did not go unnoticed by the Spanish and Dutch authorities, who saw him as both an independent pirate and a traitor.

In 1603, King James I ascended to the throne of England and Scotland. He wanted to end the war with Spain and restore peace in Europe. The government ordered all off-duty pirates to cease their attacks on Spanish ships and return to England. Additionally, if they surrendered their weapons and ships, their crimes would be alleviated. So they were suddenly declared guilty.

BECAME AN INDEPENDENT PIRATE

Many pirates refused to leave this lucrative business and operated as independent pirates. Jack Ward was one of them. He and his companions stole a small bark and named it Gift, sailed to the Isle of Wight, and captured the ship named Violet.

Ward then sailed to the Mediterranean. While continuing his journey with Violet and Gift, he attacked Spanish and Dutch ships and became one of the most feared pirates in the region. Ward's fame reached the Ottoman Empire.

OTTOMAN ADMIRED

The Ottomans admired Ward's courage and skill and embraced him as a potential ally against their enemies. They sent him offers of protection and support in exchange for his loyalty and service.

In 1605 Ward sailed to Algiers, an Ottoman province and haven for pirates. He hoped to sell his loot and recruit more men for his crew. However, he was not welcomed by the local authorities and they arrested some of his men. The reason for this was the attack on Algeria a few months ago by another British pirate, Richard Giffard.

OTTOMAN SEND OFFER

Ward then sailed to Morocco, where he met up with other English and Dutch pirates. He also encountered pirates operating under the Ottoman flag. These pirates were Muslims who converted from Christianity. The pirates told Ward about the benefits of being a Muslim and serving the Ottoman sultan.

TUNISIA WOULD BELONG TO HIM

Ward was intrigued by the offer, but he was not ready to abandon his faith and identity. He sailed to Tunisia, another Ottoman province and an important center of piracy. There he met with Kara Osman Bey, the governor of Tunisia and the commander of the Ottoman navy. Kara Osman Bey told Ward, "If he converts to Islam and becomes an Ottoman subject, he will be given a large territory near La Goulette, the main port of Tunisia. He will also be allowed to keep his ships and men and operate as an independent pirate under the Ottoman flag."

HE DID NOT WELCOME HIS CREW CHANGE OF RELIGION

Ward accepted this offer and became a Muslim in 1606. He changed his name to Yusuf Reis and determined a new appearance and lifestyle. Ward's conversion was not welcomed by his crew. Most of his men abandoned him and returned to England. But Ward had no regrets and felt he had found a home and new purpose in Tunisia, he also knew he had much more power and prestige against England, and so he did.