The Betrayed Hero- The New York Times of February 1873 on Emir Abdelkader’s Struggle Against Treachery: How Morocco’s Betrayal, Not Arms, Undermined One of the Greatest Leaders of the 19th Century

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | November 21st, 2024 — In its February 25, 1873 edition, The New York Times presented a piercing analysis of Emir Abdelkader’s defeat, attributing it not to the military superiority of French colonial forces but rather to a web of betrayal orchestrated by Sultan Moulay Abderrahmane of Morocco. The article underscores the duplicity that undermined the Emir’s efforts, ultimately forcing one of history’s most brilliant resistance leaders into capitulation.

The newspaper asserts, “His ultimate defeat was not due to the prowess of French arms, but to the cunning of his traitorous ally, the Emperor of Morocco, who, after driving many of Abdelkader’s followers to desert him, ultimately overwhelmed him by sheer numbers and pushed him beyond the French border.”

The Tangier Treaty of 1844 and Moroccan Betrayal

In 1844, Sultan Moulay Abderrahmane cemented his betrayal through the Tangier Treaty, a pact with French colonial powers that ended Moroccan support for Emir Abdelkader. This agreement effectively nullified the solidarity that Abdelkader relied upon in his fight for Algerian independence. The Moroccan monarchy not only withdrew support but actively collaborated with French forces, sending its army to encircle the Emir’s already embattled troops. This compounded the pressure from the French military and marked a turning point in Abdelkader’s resistance.

Abdelkader’s despair over this betrayal is captured in a poignant letter addressed to the scholars of Al-Azhar in Egypt. He accused the Alaouite monarchy of servility and duplicity, expressing anguish over how the Sultan’s actions betrayed not just him but the broader cause of freedom and justice.

French Perfidy: Breaking Promises of Safe Passage

While Moroccan treachery marked the beginning of Abdelkader’s downfall, French duplicity sealed his fate. After his capture, Abdelkader surrendered to General Lamoricière in 1847 under an explicit agreement: he and his followers would be granted safe passage to Egypt or Saint-Jean-d’Acre. However, this promise was shamelessly broken. As The New York Times points out, “The French, who never tired of denouncing the perfidious conduct of the English towards Napoleon I, did not hesitate to betray the Moorish leader disgracefully.”

Instead of honoring their commitment, the French authorities prioritized their security over their word. The Governor-General of Algiers, the Duc d’Aumale, signed the capitulation agreement, but French generals reneged, opting to imprison Abdelkader in France. On January 29, 1848, the betrayed leader arrived in France, where he remained a prisoner until December 1852. It was only under Emperor Napoleon III’s reign that Abdelkader was released, on the condition that he never return to Algeria or bear arms against the French.

A Leader Beyond Defeat: Military Genius and Moral Nobility

Despite his forced exile, Abdelkader’s legacy as a formidable leader and visionary statesman endured. The New York Times hailed him as “one of the ablest sovereigns and one of the most brilliant captains of the century.” Under his leadership, the Berber tribes of North Africa demonstrated remarkable resistance against the elite troops of France. The paper highlighted his numerous victories, achieved despite being outnumbered and outgunned, with French generals repeatedly outmaneuvered in decisive battles.

Following his release, Abdelkader settled in Damascus, where his moral character shone once more. In 1860, during sectarian violence in the Levant, he protected thousands of Christians from massacre, earning global admiration. His actions in Damascus cemented his reputation as a humanitarian leader whose principles transcended political and religious divides.

The New York Times observed, “The nobility of his character, no less than the brilliance of his exploits on the field, has long won him the admiration of the world. If he harbored any lingering resentment toward those who orchestrated such cowardly betrayal, he was amply avenged by the humiliating defeat of Lamoricière in Italy and the conquest of France by German armies.”

A Timeless Legacy of Honor and Patriotism

For The New York Times, Emir Abdelkader remains a towering figure in history—a patriot, a soldier of unparalleled genius, and a statesman of unshakable honor. His ability to inspire loyalty, his military ingenuity, and his unwavering ethical compass earned him a place among the great men of the 19th century.

As Algeria remembers its storied past, Abdelkader’s life stands as a testament to resilience and integrity in the face of betrayal. His story, immortalized in the annals of history, continues to inspire a nation striving for justice and dignity.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

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.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube