History of White Slavery: From Shadows to Light

White slavery is a crucial part of history that isn’t often discussed. This term refers to the enslavement of Europeans, particularly in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic world from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This dark chapter saw many white Europeans captured and sold into slavery, mirroring the experiences of their African counterparts. White slavery emerged during a time of piracy and conflict between European powers and the Ottoman Empire. North African pirates, known as Barbary corsairs, frequently raided European coastal towns and ships, capturing men, women, and children. These captives were then sold into slavery in North African and Middle Eastern markets. Captured individuals faced harsh conditions. Many were forced into hard labor, while others became household servants or were sold into harems. The enslaved endured brutal conditions, long hours of work, and minimal food or rest. They were stripped of their identities, forced to adopt new customs and languages. Efforts to