The Lonely Girl. External Factors in the Conversion and Failed Ransom of the Turkish–Algerian Fatima (1608–1622)

Research into various aspects of slavery and the related conversions has multiplied in recent years. This contribution investigates case Fatima, a young woman belonging to Turkish–Algerian elite, who was captured 1608 by Tuscan Knights Saint Stephen. Rescued her parents entrusted some Corsican merchants for safe return home, she remained Calvi (Corsica) because embraced Christianity. Thus, local bishop pretended keep under his protection. Because conversion, homecoming became considerably more complicated until it decreed impracticable. The intervention Fatima’s led opening protracted negotiations between political (Algerian, Ottoman, Spanish, Genoese) ecclesiastical (Papal, Episcopal, Trinitarian) authorities. In dissatisfaction, Algerian governors lashed out at one hundred thirty Christian captives Algiers whose rescue operation Trinitarian redeemers suddenly halted. Historiography, narrate this study, paid attention predominantly Spanish records explained economic mechanisms machine with all its complications. Through other unpublished Vatican Genoese sources, article focuses micro-glocal lens on many psychological pressures used religious agencies that accompanied such person leveraging decisive role Ecclesiastical