The Emir Abd El -Kader

The Emir Abd El -Kader

and the first of the modern Algerian state

 Training:

                          Abdelkader was born in Guetna near Mascara in 1808, raised in his father zaouïa led Mahieddine if he receives a solid education that complete it with eminent masters in Arzew and Oran. He learns the religious studies, Arabic literature, history, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine ... Plato and Aristotle, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd and Ibn Khaldun are familiar to him, as evidenced by his writings. His whole life, he studies and develops its culture.

Pilgrimage

                              It performs the pilgrimage to Mecca with his father in 1826 and made contact with the east. Pilgrims then travel to Baghdad to visit the tomb of Sidi Adelkader Jilani, founder of the al-Qâdiriyya brotherhood which is linked to the Zaouia Guetna. They thus escape the bey of Oran took umbrage threats of spiritual authority If Mahieddine and son in Oran.

 

 The commitment and the war:

                After the capture of Algiers in 1830, and the young Mahieddine If Abd-El-Kader participate in the popular resistance, Abd-El-Kader is distinguished by his courage and intelligence. Western tribes get together and want to choose a leader to relax the country. If Mahieddine solicited apologizes because of its age and offers his Abd-El-Kader son who is unanimous, it is invested as Emir by a large assembly gathered near Mascara, 21 novembre1832. The Emir is committed to conducting the war against foreign occupation, he organized the national state, is the government Khalifas means to administer the provinces, mobilizes fighters creates a regular army! raises taxes and administered justice. He signed the treaty with the general Desmichels Oran February 24, 1834, the treaty recognizes his authority over the West and Chelf. Ratified by the French Government, it is misapplied. Elusive, Emir shows everywhere and nowhere, his infantry and cavalry His are mobile and effective.

Bugeaud and Emir:

           

    General Bugeaud appointed to Oran negotiate a new treaty with the Emir, the Treaty of Tafna was signed May 30, 1837. The Emir now controls the west, Titeri and part of Algiers. It consolidates the state, built walled cities, founds military workshops, submits rebels and collaborators. The treaty gives rise to disputes with the Governor Valee and war resumed in November 1839. Bugeaud appointed Governor, wants to occupy the country, he practiced scorched method of "earth", destroying every city, crops, livestock. .. the Emir resists energetically, won brilliant successes such as Sidi Brahim (23 September 1845). But the country is ruined, the tribes are exhausted, the support of Morocco is lacking. the Emir decided to stop war and chose exile (December 1847). the french Government agrees to carry it in the East.

 

 Prison and exile:

     The French commitment is not respected. The Emir is leading to Toulon and Pau and Amboise. It is considered a prisoner of state until October 1852, when Napoleon III is finally free him. He sailed for Turkey and moved to Bursa, and then settled permanently in Damascus where he received a hero's welcome. Apart from some travel and a new pilgrimage, he never left Syria and devotes his time to meditation, prayer, teaching and charity. In 1860, Damascus riots provide him the opportunity to shine like a character out series. It saves thousands of Christians massacre and pushed the rioters. Several heads of state addressed his congratulations and decorations, especially those from England, Russia, France ... Famous and honored, he goes off in Damascus on 26 May 1883. A large crowd attended his funeral .