The Muslim Roots of New York City: Anthony van Salee

Anthony Janszoon van Salee, commonly known as Anthony the Turk, was a Dutch and Moroccan Muslim who played a significant role in the early history of New York. He was born in 1607 to Jan Janszoon, a Dutch navy admiral known for leading the Salé Rovers in raiding and capturing Christian ships in the Mediterranean.

Anthony's family history is intertwined with the broader context of religious persecution, forced expulsions, and the retaliation of Moriscos (expelled Spanish Muslims) against Spanish and Christian ships. His father, Jan Janszoon, converted to Islam after being arrested by Morisco pirates and married Margarita, a Moroccan woman with Spanish origins.

The suffering of Moriscos in Spain and the rationality of Islam influenced Jan Janszoon's decision to convert and settle in Salee, Morocco. He became known as Admiral Murat Reis and led defensive Jihad against the Spanish and their allies. His piracy activities included daring raids, capturing ships, and enslaving their crews. He operated under various flags, including those of the Ottoman Empire and the Barbary States, targeting Christian ships in retaliation for European aggression in Spain and North Africa.

In 1624, Jan Janszoon's position as governor of Salee was acknowledged by the Moroccan King Zidan Abu Maali, essentially recognizing the Republic of Salé city-state. In 1627, the Van Salee family moved to Algiers. Anthony van Salee, Admiral Murat Reis's son, later moved to New Amsterdam, which would eventually become New York City.

Anthony van Salee played a crucial role in the early development of New York. He was among the original settlers of the New York colony, arriving in the 1630s. Despite being the son of a Dutch convert and a Moroccan/Spanish mother, he owned multiple farms and properties in Manhattan. However, due to his faith and unique personality, he faced expulsion to the other side of the river.

In response, Anthony van Salee established farms in what is now Brooklyn, Gravesend, New Utrecht, and other settlements on Long Island. Coney Island was even referred to as "Turk Island," highlighting the Muslim heritage of the Van Salee family. Thus, Brooklyn, Gravesend, New Utrecht, Long Island, and Coney Island all have ties to this pioneering Muslim family.

During the early colonial period, New Amsterdam, under Dutch rule, was known for its relatively tolerant religious atmosphere compared to other European colonies. The Dutch West India Company did not impose strict religious conformity on its settlers, allowing people like Anthony van Salee to practice Islam without fear of persecution. His ownership of a Quran, which was later sold in an estate sale in the late 19th century, is evidence of his religious beliefs.

In addition to his religious identity, Anthony van Salee was a prominent landowner in the colony. He acquired significant land holdings, particularly in the area known as Brooklyn Heights, which made him a wealthy and influential member of the community. His status as a landowner provided him with social standing and respect, despite being of non-European descent.

However, Anthony van Salee's life was not without legal challenges and controversy. In 1655, he became embroiled in a legal dispute over a property boundary issue, resulting in the loss of a portion of his land. Some historians suggest that his mixed heritage and Muslim faith may have played a role in these legal proceedings, reflecting the prejudices and discrimination of the time.

Despite these challenges, Anthony van Salee's legacy endures. He was the first grantee of land on Coney Island and contributed to the founding of Long Island settlements, including New Utrecht and Gravesend. In 1660, he played a key role in founding Boswijck, now known as Bushwick, alongside other settlers, including free blacks Francisco and Anton.

The stories of Anthony van Salee and his father, Admiral Murat Reis, illustrate the cultural exchange that occurred during the Age of Exploration. While Murat Reis's conversion to Islam and piracy activities brought him into contact with North African and Ottoman cultures, Anthony van Salee's upbringing in New Amsterdam allowed him to bridge the gap between the Dutch and Moorish worlds.

In conclusion, Anthony van Salee's story is a testament to the rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity that has characterized the United States since its earliest days. As a pioneering Muslim in New York, he navigated the challenges of his time while contributing to the development of the colony. His legacy deserves recognition as an early Muslim pioneer in the New World, adding another layer to the multicultural mosaic of American history. His life highlights the importance of religious freedom and tolerance, even in the face of adversity and discrimination.