Battle of Sidi Brahim
Sidi Brahim, near Ghazaouet, Tlemcen Province, Algeria
What happened
Algerian fighters under Emir Abdelkader fought a French column led by Lieutenant Colonel Lucien de Montagnac. France had invaded Algeria, and Emir Abdelkader led the resistance. Montagnac marched out from Ghazaouet with about 420 men and was drawn into an ambush. A small group of survivors held out for two days in a shrine called Sidi Brahim before trying to break out.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was an Algerian victory during the resistance to French conquest. France later used it as a symbol of sacrifice, and after Algerian independence the same monument in Oran was turned to honour Abdelkader.
What came next
Abdelkader surrendered to France in 1847 and was later exiled. In Damascus in 1860 he and his companions sheltered thousands of Christians during violence there.
Did you know?
Elkader, a town in Iowa, USA, is named after Emir Abdelkader.
Timeline
- 22 November 1832Abdelkader is chosen to lead the resistance.
- 23–25 September 1845Battle of Sidi Brahim.
- 23 December 1847Abdelkader surrenders.
- 26 May 1883Abdelkader dies in Damascus.