The Djerbian Corporation in Algiers During the Ottoman Period

Abstract

The article is based on previous studies that attest to the integration of “Jamaat al
Jraba” within the institutional framework for crafts as a recognized group and its members
come from the outside of Algiers. As for the affiliation of Djerbians to the Ibadite sect, we
enquire about the probability of the existence of links between them and Beni-Mzab (The
topic of ourthesis) as Ibadites and also enquire whether or not there is a convergence of
conditions of stability in Algiers during the studied period. By referring back to the “Beylik”
records, Islamic courts records, and “Qanoun Aswaq al Jazair", it was confirmed to us the
density of activities of the corporation inside and outside of the Djerbians market by
appropriation, leasing, and loan investment, besides products brought mainly from Djerba.
They paid relatively higher sums of money for the usual taxes which indicates the
flourishment of their trade. However, the few documents available about Djerbiens showed
neither their sectarian affiliation nor their country of origin as special and influencing
elements in their transactions with the authorities. No privileged dealings between them and
Beni-Mzab were recorded, within the limits of this study