Thomas Abela

Thomas Abela (1720–1795) was a Maltese of noble birth. He was Jacomo Abela’s only son. He was a successful merchant that expanded his business endeavours to Acre during Cheikh Zaher El- Omar reign. Their business flourished from Malta to Acre while also expanding to Europe.

Early life

Acre’s governance passed under Ahmad Pacha El Jazzar’s eminency. The latter needed the help of the Abela family in order to expand his influence and commercial expansion. Thomas and Jacomo were successful and managed to answer El Jazzar’s demands who in return granted them vast lands in Acre.