Dr. Mohamed Doumir’s Historical Perspectives on Emir Abdelkader: The Betrayal by Sultan Abd ar-Rahman ibn Hisham and the Misconceptions of Moroccan Imperial Influence

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 4th, 2024 — In an engaging discussion with Dzair Tube’s “Remontada” program, historical content creator Dr. Mohamed Doumir provided a profound analysis of Emir Abdelkader’s significant role in Algerian history and addressed prevalent historical misconceptions concerning Moroccan influence. The dialogue, conducted with journalist Mustapha Bounif, offers a comprehensive look at the Emir’s enduring impact and the misinterpretations of historical terms used to describe Moroccan governance.

Emir Abdelkader’s Legacy: An Unmatched Historical Figure

Dr. Doumir emphasizes the unparalleled prominence of Emir Abdelkader, noting that his biography on Wikipedia is available in 93 languages, a testament to his international recognition and the profound influence he has had on global historical narratives. In contrast, the biography of Moroccan Sultan Abd ar-Rahman ibn Hisham is translated into only four languages, illustrating the broader historical impact of Emir Abdelkader’s legacy.

According to Dr. Doumir, Emir Abdelkader was an extraordinarily powerful historical figure whose rise was marked by rapid development and achievement. His advancement and the subsequent betrayal by Sultan Abd ar-Rahman ibn Hisham, who became envious of the Emir’s growing popularity among Moroccans, are pivotal moments in his history. The Sultan’s subsequent disparagement of Emir Abdelkader through his poets and writers further highlights the complex interplay of regional politics during that era.

Strategic Responses and Military Leadership

Dr. Doumir recounts the strategic responses of Emir Abdelkader when faced with advanced French military technology. The Emir frequently retreated to Moroccan borders, a move that eventually led to a correspondence between France and Sultan ibn Hisham, which galvanized the Sultan to declare war on the Emir.

Furthermore, Emir Abdelkader’s efforts in unifying the Algerian resistance against French colonialism were unprecedented. His eloquence and profound literary skills, combined with his leadership in battle, established him as a formidable figure whose heroics are still celebrated today. Dr. Doumir praises the Emir’s multifaceted contributions as a poet, Islamic scholar, and leader, noting his influential role in both spiritual and military spheres.

Historical Misconceptions: The Myth of Moroccan Empire

Addressing historical misconceptions, Dr. Doumir critiques the term “Moroccan Empire,” which he argues is a misnomer. He clarifies that European historians referred to Morocco as the “Marrakechi Empire,” a term reflecting a historical state consisting of several semi-autonomous regions rather than a unified empire. Dr. Doumir explains that Morocco, historically divided into regions, such as Marrakesh, Rif, and Souss, was characterized by semi-autonomous governance under the Sultan of Marrakesh. The term “empire” in this context was used to describe a political structure of loosely affiliated regions rather than an imperial hegemony.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

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Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

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