Lecture Notes on Emir Abdelkader

Introduction

• Welcome of General Trezeguet back to France.
• Discussion of the defeat in Algeria and the role of Emir Abdelkader.

Overview of Emir Abdelkader

• Born in May 1807 in Guittena, Algeria.
• Son of Sheikh Muhyi al-Din, leader of the Qadiriyya tariqa.
• Smart from a young age, proficient in Qur'an, philosophy, mathematics, and history.
• Influenced by travels during Hajj, learned about modern developments in Arab capitals.

The Fan Incident

• Hussein Dey, the Ottoman governor, slapped the French consul.
• This incident led to the French invasion of Algeria in 1830.
• French fleet arrived with 100 warships and 40,000 soldiers.

Initial French Occupation

• Ottoman army attempted to resist but failed, leading to chaos in Algeria.
• French began to establish control over cities.
• Sheikh Muhyi al-Din refused leadership; tribes sought Abdelkader to lead.

Rise of Emir Abdelkader

• At 25, Abdelkader became a leader uniting tribes against the French.
• Focused on building a professional army instead of relying on volunteers.
• Introduced military regulations, structure, and salaries.

Early Victories

• Successfully ambushed French forces, demonstrated military intelligence.
• Boycotted trade with French, causing them to starve.

The Treaty of Desmichels (1834)

• French recognized Abdelkader's authority in southern Oran.
• Abdelkader organized his state, implementing modern governance.
• Established schools and invited foreign experts for modernization.

The Treaty of Tafna (1837)

• Solidified Abdelkader's authority, limited French presence to coastal areas.
• Continued modernizing the state, focusing on education and military infrastructure.

Shift in French Politics

• France grew dissatisfied with territorial concessions, leading to renewed hostilities.
• Abdelkader declared war on France in 1839 following French violations.

Military Strategy and Tactics

• Developed a mobile capital called "Zmala" to evade French attacks.
• Engaged in guerrilla warfare, utilizing starvation as a tactic against French forces.
• Established humane treatment for prisoners of war.

Decline of Emir Abdelkader

• French improved strategies, culminating in the capture of Zmala.
• Allies turned against him, leading to eventual defeat.
• Offered surrender in exchange for safe passage to an Islamic city.

Life After Surrender

• Imprisoned in France, but later released and honored.
• Lived in Damascus, contributed to humanitarian efforts, especially during civil conflicts.

Legacy of Emir Abdelkader

• Recognized globally for his humanitarian efforts and leadership.
• Died on May 23, 1883, but his legacy continued to be celebrated, including a monument in France in 2022.

Conclusion

• Importance of Abdelkader in both Algerian and French history.
• His life story illustrates themes of resistance, leadership, and humanitarianism.