The Emir’s path to worldwide fame began with a bungled French occupation of Algiers in 1830.

The occupation spawned a resistance movement from which Emir Abdelkader emerged as France’s most tenacious opposition leader. His strength was rooted in his faith, moral authority, keen intelligence, physical stamina, natural military prowess, and knowledge of tribal ways. His most effective weapons were his diplomatic astuteness, desert-hardened horses,  and his Jewish intelligence network that kept him informed of the political divisions in France caused by its colonial adventure. He earned the respect of French generals and the gratitude of his French prisoners for the humane treatment he insisted they receive.

French scorched earth tactics and desire to dominate all of Algeria led to widespread defections among Abdelkader’s tribal allies. After fifteen years of struggle and wanting to avoid further suffering of his people, the Emir surrendered voluntarily in 1847, believing it God’s will. In exchange, he negotiated free passage for his family and followers to the Middle East. Following the fall of the French monarchy two months later, the new republican France disavowed the agreement. The Emir and his extended family were held captive in France for five years. Over twenty-five members of his entourage died of pneumonia, cholera and depression brought on by the damp cold of the abandon chataeus that became their prisons. Angry and shamed for having trusted France’s word, Abdelkader resisted bribes of the Ministry of War to remain in France, insisting that the government honor its promise. The Emir publicly endured the injustice with a grace, piety and dignified stoicism that won over many French and European notables. Among his many admirers was his future biographer, Col. Charles Henry Churchill. Giving in to pressures from both within and outside of France, the newly elected President Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte granted the Emirs freedom in 1852.