Ottoman Empire Naval Battle (Battle of Djerba)

The Battle of Djerba (Turkish: Cerbe) took place in May 1560 near the island of Djerba, Tunisia in which the Ottomans under Piyale Pasha’s command with 86 ships overwhelmed by a large joint Christian Alliance fleet, chiefly Spanish (under Juan de la Cerda), Papal, Maltese and Neapolitan forces with more than 120 ships. In the Battle, The Papal alliiance lost 27 galleys and some smaller vessels as well as the fortified island of Jerba which is garrisoned by Knights of St. John. This victory marked the high point of Ottoman power in the Mediterranean Sea.