Sabir: The Tongue of the Mediterranean Sabir, a vibrant pidgin, was the heartbeat of Mediterranean ports for over 700 years, from the 10th to 17th centuries. Born from trade and Crusades, it blended Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Greek, and more, letting merchants, sailors, and corsairs communicate across cultures. At its peak in the 15th–16th centuries, Sabir fueled commerce in bustling hubs like Venice and Tunis, reflecting the sea’s multicultural spirit. Its simple grammar and flexible vocabulary—think “bono” (good) or “salaam” (peace)—made it a bridge for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. As Atlantic trade and standardized languages rose, Sabir faded by the 1700s, but its legacy lingers in words like “almirante” (admiral). More than a language, Sabir was a testament to human connection, proving that even in a divided world, people can craft a shared voice to trade, talk, and thrive. Imagine a bustling port in 14th-century Algiers. Merchants haggle over silk and spices, sailors shout ...