Dragut (Turkish: Turgut Reis; 1485 – 23 June 1565), also known as Torghoud, was an Ottoman corsair, naval commander, governor, and noble. Under his command, the Ottoman Empire´s maritime power was extended across North Africa. Recognized for his military genius, and as being among "the most dangerous" of corsairs, Dragut has been referred to as "the greatest pirate warrior of all time", "undoubtedly the most able of all the Turkish leaders", and "the uncrowned king of the Mediterranean". He was described by a French admiral as "a living chart of the Mediterranean, skillful enough on land to be compared to the finest generals of the time" and that "no one was more worthy than he to bear the name of king". Hayreddin Barbarossa, who was his mentor, stated that Dragut was ahead of him "both in fishing and bravery". He was characterized by his fellow Muslims as "the Drawn Sword of Islam".
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