Dey of Algiers · 1791–1798
Chronology
Key moments in the life of Hassan III Pacha and the history of the Regency of Algiers.
Sidi Hassan serves as Wakil al-Kharadj (minister responsible for foreign and maritime affairs) under Dey Muhammad Ben Othman. He gains extensive experience in diplomacy with European powers.
Hassan is appointed Khaznadji (chief minister and treasurer), one of the highest offices in the Regency. He becomes the adopted son and closest collaborator of Muhammad Ben Othman.
Muhammad Ben Othman dies. Sidi Hassan is elevated as Dey of Algiers under the name Hassan Pacha. The succession is notably orderly.
Only weeks after his accession, Hassan concludes a convention with Spain regarding the future of Oran and Mers el-Kébir.
Spanish forces evacuate Oran and Mers el-Kébir. The cities return to the Regency. Hassan confers the title Bey of Oran and the insignia of the plume on Mohamed el-Kebir.
Work begins on the palace in the lower Casbah that will later bear Hassan’s name. It becomes one of the lasting architectural marks of his reign.
Nearly seven years of relative continuity. The Regency maintains its established autonomy, conducts active Mediterranean diplomacy, and governs from Algiers.
The Treaty of Peace and Friendship is signed in Algiers between George Washington and Hassan Pasha, his Divan, and the subjects of the Regency. The original document bears Hassan’s tughra and seal.
Hassan dies (traditionally dated 1 or 14 May 1798) after an illness. He is succeeded by his nephew and Khaznadji, Mustapha Ben Ibrahim Pacha.
The Regency of Algiers falls to French conquest. The political system Hassan had governed comes to an end three decades after his death.