Duarte De Paz, the unsung hero of Portuguese history, emerges from the shadows of the past, his life a testament to resilience, courage, and a touch of intrigue. Born in the aftermath of the forced conversions of 1496-97, De Paz, of crypto-Jewish origins, embarked on an astonishing journey that not only shaped his destiny but also had a profound impact on the fate of countless Portuguese crypto-Jews.
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Early Years and Family Ties
In the vibrant backdrop of 16th-century Portugal, where crypto-Jews practiced their faith in secret, De Paz, the eldest of six children, hailed from a family deeply rooted in the Douro region. Despite the challenges posed by forced conversions, the crypto-Jewish community found a way to persevere, navigating the complex landscape of religious identity.
Military Valor and Distinctive Appearance
De Paz’s life took a dramatic turn when he joined the military, losing an eye in the process during a campaign in North Africa. With his distinctive one-eyed appearance reminiscent of Moshe Dayan, De Paz became a decorated soldier, maintaining strong connections with influential crypto-Jewish families.
Knighted by João the Third
Picture this: a one-eyed warrior donned in the habit of the Order of Christ, a former Templar organization. In 1530, King João the Third bestowed upon De Paz the prestigious title, recognizing his military prowess. Little did anyone suspect that this knight would soon embark on a secret mission that would alter the course of history.
Lobbying in Rome
Armed with a bag of funds provided by the crypto-Jewish community, De Paz set off on an audacious mission to Rome. His goal: to convince Pope Clement VII to cancel the impending Inquisition in Portugal. Against all odds, this diplomatic maverick succeeded, single-handedly thwarting the Inquisition’s advance.
A Pardon from Pope Paul III
De Paz’s influence didn’t stop there. His charm and negotiation skills found favor with the next Pope, Paul III. In a remarkable feat, he secured the pardon of 1800 Portuguese crypto-Jews who faced persecution for practicing Judaism in secret. The impact of his actions rippled through history, echoing the resilience of a community fighting for its identity.
Downfall and Resilience
As De Paz’s star rose, it was not without its challenges. King João, learning of his diverted mission and lobbying in Rome, stripped him of honors, leading to possible assassination attempts. Surviving a brutal attack, De Paz faced disputes with financial backers, eventually finding himself in jail in Ferrara, Italy.
The Journey to Istanbul
Undeterred, De Paz escaped to Istanbul, a haven for crypto-Jews seeking refuge. Openly declaring himself a Jew, he embraced a new chapter, where Islamic lands provided a more welcoming environment for the return to Judaism than Catholic territories.
Uncertain Legacy
The latter part of De Paz’s life remains shrouded in mystery. Conflicting reports from the Vatican suggest a possible conversion to Islam, yet the truth remains elusive. What is undeniable, however, is the colorful and heroic life led by Duarte De Paz, a beacon of hope for the Portuguese crypto-Jewish community.
As we unravel the amazing saga of Duarte De Paz, let us celebrate the resilience, courage, and diplomacy of a man who single-handedly held back the Portuguese Inquisition, leaving an indelible mark on history. Join us in exploring more fascinating tales from the rich history of the Jews of the Douro River, as we look forward to a cruise in 2024, where these stories come to life.
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