Turkish Pirate Graves in Hvalba: A Tale of Pillage and Legacy

The Faroese island of Suðuroy bears the scars of its turbulent encounters with Turkish pirates in the 17th century, leaving tales of tragedy and resilience. Like many other Northern European countries, the Faroe Islands were not spared from pirate attacks. Suðuroy, however, suffered the most severe raids, making it a focal point for these harrowing stories.

The ravage in Hvalba

In 1629, three Turkish pirate ships launched an attack on the village of Hvalba, as well as Trongisvágur and Øravík. The village was plundered, and the pirates wreaked havoc before retreating. As the ships left Hvalba, two ran aground on the rocks, succumbing to the fierce surf. According to local lore, over 300 bodies from the shattered vessels washed ashore.

In Gjørðasondum in Hvalba, a location known as Turkagravirnar ("The Turks' Graves") is said to be where the bodies of the pirates were buried. Visitors can still search for Turkarasteinar ("Turkish Rocks"), speckled stones in red, green, and white believed to be ballast remnants from the pirate ships.

A Tragic Chapter: Kidnapping and Slavery

The pirates also kidnapped 30 women and children from Hvalba, intending to sell them into slavery in North Africa. Despite efforts by the Faroese people to raise enough money for their ransom, the funds were insufficient, and the captives were never returned to the islands.

Preserving the Tales of the Pirates

These pirate raids left an indelible mark on Suðuroy’s history, inspiring countless tales and legends that continue to captivate listeners. From the ravaged villages to the remnants of the pirate ships, the stories paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous time in the island’s past.

Explore the History
If you’re intrigued by the tales of the Turkish pirates and wish to delve deeper into Suðuroy’s fascinating history, guided tours can be arranged to bring these stories to life. Contact the island’s tourist information centres to plan your visit.