Old African rulers were often referred to as Deys, a term derived from the Arabic word diyār meaning 'REALM' or 'STATE'. The Deys were the rulers of various North African states, including Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. They were typically appointed by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and held a great deal of power and influence in their respective regions. The Deys were responsible for maintaining order and stability in their territories, as well as collecting taxes and overseeing trade.