Emir Abdelkader

6 September 1808 – 26 May 1883

Emir Abdelkader was an Algerian religious and military leader who led resistance against the French colonial conquest of Algeria in the 1830s and 1840s. A scholar and Sufi as well as a statesman, he built a state in western Algeria and is regarded as a national hero and founding figure of modern Algeria. After his surrender and exile, he later became known for protecting Christians during the 1860 conflict in Damascus.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Emir Abdelkader.

Life events

Born near Mascara
6 September 1808

Abdelkader was born near Mascara in western Algeria into a respected religious family.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Pilgrimage to Mecca
c. 1825

As a young man he traveled with his father on the hajj, journeying through the Middle East.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Proclaimed Emir of the resistance
1832

Tribes of western Algeria elected him leader to organize resistance against the French invasion.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Treaty of Tafna with France
30 May 1837

He signed a treaty with the French that recognized his authority over much of western and central Algeria.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Renewed war against French forces
1839 – 1847

Hostilities resumed as the French intensified their campaign of conquest across Algeria.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Surrender to France
23 December 1847

After years of resistance he surrendered to French forces on the promise of safe passage.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Imprisonment in France
1848 – 1852

Despite promises, he was held captive in France for several years.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Settled in Damascus
1855

After his release he eventually moved to Damascus, where he devoted himself to scholarship and Sufi teaching.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Protected Christians during the Damascus riots
July 1860

He sheltered thousands of Christians from massacre during the violence in Damascus, earning international recognition.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Death in Damascus
26 May 1883

He died in Damascus; his remains were later reinterred in Algeria after independence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓