Asmis

History and cinema are often connected by invisible threads. Sometimes these threads seep from the subconscious of the scriptwriters; sometimes they do not escape the keen eyes of the audience. Could two major elements of the Pirates of the Caribbean universe — the legendary pirate captain Hector Barbossa and the Maelstrom battle, the climax of the third film — be carrying traces of a ghost from our history?

This article examines the transformation of Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha into Barbossa and the similarity of the Preveza Naval Battle to the Maelstrom battle in Pirates of the Caribbean 3.

1. Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha and Hector Barbossa: Echoes in Names and Images

Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha: An admiral who conquered the Mediterranean for the Ottomans and who annexed Algeria to the Ottomans and turned the Mediterranean into a “Turkish lake.” He was known in Europe as “Barbarossa,” meaning red beard.

Hector Barbossa: The grey-red bearded, cunning and charismatic captain of the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Even his name seems to be directly derived from “Barbarossa”.

The similarities are not limited to the name alone:

His attire includes Ottoman-style shalwar, vest and belt details;

Eye-catching rings and symbols;

Blue eyes and orange-tinged beard colors.

Barbossa’s subdued accent, occasionally mumbling in an unknown language(price of the freedom), confuses even Jack Sparrow — just like Barbaros Pasha’s multilingual background from his Greek mother and Turkish father.

2. Preveza Naval Battle and Maelstrom Battle: Brotherhood of the Storms

Preveza, 1538: Between the Ottoman and Crusader fleets.

Barbaros Pasha, Sinan Pasha and the Ottoman admirals come together upon the order of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Sinan Pasha and the others want to attack immediately; Barbaros suggests waiting, but does not listen.

In the battle, Barbaros writes prayers to the sea, the wind changes direction, a storm breaks out. The Ottoman fleet wins.

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End (Maelstrom Battle):

In the brethen court, Jack and Elizabeth advocate fighting; Barbossa initially opposes, but then the plan changes.

Barbossa releases the supernatural being Calypso, wind and a giant whirlpool are created. The pirates prevail.

The similarities are striking:

Pre-battle council, conflict between leaders;

Unity of forces against a very powerful enemy fleet;

Turning natural forces (storm, wind) to one's advantage;