Contributions of the Mujahideen of Oued Souf in the Liberation Revolution The Role of Mujahid Ali Lamkadem in Arms Supply
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Abstract
In this paper, we aim to shed light on the contribution of one of the notable figures from the village of Al-Jadida in armament and the Algerian Liberation Revolution. The village was known for the full engagement of some families in revolutionary activities, including the family of Taleb Ali Lamkadem, who, to the best of our knowledge, has not been extensively studied, especially in academic research. Ali Lamkadem played a significant role in raising awareness and promoting education in his region, encouraging his sons—Ahmed, Ammar, and Mabrouk—to join the national movement after World War II. Mabrouk, in particular, collaborated with Commander Mohamed Al-Akhdar (Hama Lakhdar) to form a group that coordinated with the "Secret Organization" to implement armed revolutionary plans. Through my communication with one of Sheikh Ali Lamkadem’s grandsons, Mohamed bin Ali bin Abdelaziz bin Ali Lamkadem, and by obtaining oral narratives he documented based on accounts from his relatives and those who lived through that period, I have attempted to present an interpretation of these recorded accounts. This study offers an opportunity for future generations and researchers interested in local history to gain insights into the revolutionary history of the men of Al-Jadida village and their struggle against French colonialism.
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References
One of the most plausible explanations for the naming of Wadi Souf is that when shipments arrived in these regions, people said, “They settle those swords,” meaning a collection of swords—that is, a sand dune that stretches out with a sharp top. It was thus named by comparing it to a sword (the cutting weapon). Over time, the letter "ya" was dropped from the word “suyuf” and it became “Souf.” For more on the meaning of the name, see: Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Sassi Al-Awamir: Al-Suroof fi Tarikh al-Sahra’ wa Souf, Al-Ma'arif for Printing, D.B, D.S, pp. 38–39.
Ammar Awadi: Al-Imam wa al-Mujahid Sheikh Muhammad al-Eid al-Ghwar: Hayat ‘Ilm wa Jihad 1921–2010, Vol. 1, Dar Sami for Printing and Publishing, El Oued, Algeria 2022, p. 15.
It is called “Al-Jadida al-Sharqia” (Eastern New) or “Jadida al-Dabila” to distinguish it from “Al-Jadida al-Gharbia” (Western New), which administratively belongs to the municipality of Sidi Aoun.
The word “Al-Jadida” comes from “al-Jidda”: the source of the new. For more, see: Ibn Manzur: Lisan al-Arab, Volume Three, Dar Sader, Beirut, p. 111.
Rachid Qsiba: Al-Qa’id Hamma Lakhdar wa Dawruhu fi al-Thawra al-Tahririyya 1930–1955, Matba'at al-Rimal, El Oued, Algeria, 2019, p. 16.
It is located to the northeast of the city of El Oued, between the towns of Zaqam and Hassi Khalifa, about twenty kilometers from the state capital, and National Road No. 16 passes through it. Several accounts exist regarding the naming of Al-Dabila, the most famous being that Ali bin Khazzan, while traveling from the town of Zaqam toward the eastern region with his belongings on his back and accompanied by his wife and daughter, noticed that his daughter, growing tired, fell behind. As she was slowly making her way back, he said to her, “Dubay li, dubay li,” and his wife added from behind, “Dubay lahu, dubay lahu,” meaning “Come here” (with “dubay” referring to a very slow pace). The place where he uttered these words was hence called Al-Dabila, and this explanation is considered the most plausible. For further details, see: Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Sassi Al-Awamir, cited earlier, pp. 116–117.
The name Zeqzaw was originally a nickname for a man known by this title. It is, in fact, a Berber word that refers to a dark green color. The Oulad Zeqzaw tribe consists of several family names, totaling thirty-one surnames, including: Razik, Nasrat, Jerad, Bouazza, Bechouachi, Boukarn, Chaqour, Ben Ammar, Ben Bouzid, Bouzidi, Salhi, Mansouri, Baaj, Chouia, Derbal, Masoudi, Ammari, Lamkadem, Dassi, Amara, Ben Omar, Qseiba, Braika, Khlaifa, Chaieb, Cheniba, Cheniba Ramili, Cheniba Blala, Cheniba Atiya, Cheniba Laqchem, and Cheniba Abbas. Most of them reside in the northern part of El Oued Province, distributed across the municipalities of Debila, Magrane, Hassi Khalifa, Ben Guecha, Taleb Larbi, and Douar El-Ma. Based on multiple interviews with Belkacem bin Mohamed Lamkadem, conducted between 2005 and 2012 at his home in Al-Jadida Village.
This name is associated with the town of Debila.
It is narrated that Ali bin Khazan (ancestor of the Dabailia tribe) and Abdelaziz bin Zeqzaw (ancestor of the Oulad Zeqzaw tribe) experienced an incident that led to an agreement of good neighborliness between them, around 1650 CE. The event occurred when Abdelaziz’s sheep entered Ali bin Khazan’s ghout (an agricultural depression) and ate some of his palm fronds. Upon learning that the sheep belonged to Abdelaziz, Ali bin Khazan went to him angrily. However, Abdelaziz welcomed him warmly, offering a sacrificial feast and serving him the best food available at the time. This act of generosity resulted in a reconciliation between the two men. Ali bin Khazan then uttered a famous saying that has been passed down through generations:
"A home for a home, a neighbor for a neighbor, and whoever betrays his brother shall not prosper."
Based on an oral account by Belkacem bin Mohamed Lamkadem, previously cited.
All the family names mentioned above represent those who were present in the village before the outbreak of the revolution.
Rachid Qseiba, previously cited, p. 34.
Oral interviews with Ahmed bin Al-Sadiq Al-Abed and Taher bin Al-Aid Khanoufa, previously cited.
The ghout refers to a low-lying fertile area, commonly used for palm cultivation. In some parts of Oued Souf, the term "houd" is used instead of "ghout" to describe a palm-growing area or palm grove.
Rachid Qseiba, previously cited, p. 35.
Oral interview with Mujahid Mohamed bin Al-Sassi Dassi (nicknamed "The Living Martyr"), conducted on 07/12/2013 at Omar bin Abdelaziz Mosque in Al-Jadida, between Maghrib and Isha prayers.
Sheikh Ali was commonly known as Taleb Ali, as it was a regional tradition to refer to anyone who had memorized the Qur'an as a "Taleb" (meaning student or scholar).
Rachid Qsiba, previously cited reference, p. 38.
Ibid., p. 23.
Ammar Awadi, previously cited reference, p. 33.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source; Rachid Qsiba, previously cited reference, p. 37.
Zriba Al-Talib Ali and his sons Ammar, Abdulaziz, and Ahmed.
Oral interview with Abdullah bin Ahmeda Al-Muqaddam (nephew of Al-Talib Ali) and Ahmed bin Ahmed (grandson of Al-Talib Ali) on 06/05/2022 in Al-Jadida at 11:00 PM.
He had a small well (Hassi) in the town of Hassi Khalifa, and the area was later named after him; oral interview with Al-Eid bin Ahmeda Al-Muqaddam on 02/23/2006 after Asr prayer at Omar bin Abdulaziz Mosque in the village of Al-Jadida.
It was traditionally known in the region that anyone who memorized the Quran was called Al-Talib (the student).
The Rabay’a Tribe: One of the Arab tribes that has retained its name to this day, despite the passage of many years, dating back to when they lived in the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam. It consists of three sub-tribes (from the well-known Banu Tamim of Adnanite origin):
a. The tribe of Rabee’a bin Zaid bin Manaa
b. The tribe of Rabee’a bin Hanzala bin Malik bin Zaid bin Manaa
c. The tribe of Rabee’a bin Malik bin Hanzala bin Malik bin Zaid bin Manaa
For more details, see: Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Sassi Al-Awamir, previously cited reference, p. 370.
These include: Ouled Zeqzao, Ouled Ahmed, Ouled Al-Hajjaj, Ouled Bloul, Ouled Massoud (Al-Alawna), Al-Zayoud, Al-Ruqai’at, Lafayez, Al-Aghwath, Al-Dawaima, Al-Atayra, Al-Hawamed, Al-Masabih, and Al-Qatayta.
Oral interview with Belqasem bin Muhammad Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Rziq bin Khazzan Nasrat, previously cited source.
They were Bedouin nomads who lived in the Libyan desert; ibid.
Ibid.
We did not use the phrase "The Martyr Ali Al-Muqaddam” because there is a religious injunction against labeling someone as a martyr. Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once addressed the people, saying:
"You say in your battles, 'So-and-so is a martyr, and so-and-so died a martyr'... but instead, say as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever dies in the cause of Allah or is killed is a martyr.'"
For reference, see: Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Jihad and Expeditions, Chapter: Do Not Say "So-and-so is a Martyr", Vol. 6, p. 106.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Belqasem bin Muhammad Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Aisha bint Muhammad Al-Muqaddam, conducted on Saturday, 06/13/2020, at her home in Al-Jadida at 17:30.
Oral interview with Reda bin Al-Mujahid Mabrouk Al-Muqaddam, on 06/02/2022, at his home in Al-Jadida at 18:00.
Oral interview with Belqasem bin Muhammad Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Khalifa bin Ahmed Shaniba Rumaili, on 06/15/2018, at his home in the village of Al-Daqouj in Al-Damini.
Oral interview with Khalifa bin Ahmed Shaniba Rumaili, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Khalifa Shaniba Rumaili, previously cited source; oral interview with Hamed bin Ibrahim Shaniba Abbas, previously cited source.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source; oral interview with Muhammad bin Abdullah Qsiba, at his home in Al-Jadida on 06/12/2022, at 08:00 AM.
Oral interview with Khalifa bin Ahmed Shaniba Al-Rumaili, previously cited source.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source, and Belqasem bin Muhammad Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Abdelkader Azzam Awadi: The Migration of Wadi Souf Residents to Tunisia (1912–1962), Al-Alamiya Publishing and Distribution, 1st edition, Constantine, Algeria, 2014, pp. 123–124.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source.
Ibid.
Oral interview with Malik bin Al-Muqdad Boukhazna, previously cited source.
Ibid.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source.
Interview with Sheikh Ahmed Touba, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Hamid bin Al-Sadiq Al-Abed, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Malik bin Al-Muqdad Boukhazna, previously cited source.
He was born in 1888 in the village of Oum Ezbed in Al-Maqran, the son of Ali bin Abdullah Deqqa and Maryam bint Lassoud Lirqet. He was a merchant known for his good morals, well-loved among the people, and was a close friend of Al-Talib Ali Al-Muqaddam. He passed away in 1980 and was buried in Al-Jadida Cemetery.
Oral interview with Abdelwahid bin Al-Qadri Deqqa, on 08/10/2023, at his home in the village of Oum Ezbed at 17:30.
Oral interview with Lakhdar bin Al-Qadri Deqqa, previously cited source.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source.
He was Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, and his mother was Salima bint Muhammad Qsiba. He was born in the village of Al-Jadida in 1924 and was among the first generation of the revolution. He joined the army in 1955 and participated in several battles. He was nicknamed "The Living Martyr" because he was wounded in the Battle of Houd Chikka in 1955 by bullets and grenade shrapnel to the extent that he was presumed dead. He was placed in a truck carrying the deceased, but before burial, they discovered he was still alive. He was hospitalized, later imprisoned for a period, and then released. He rejoined the ranks of the National Liberation Army in September 1956. He passed away on 05/19/2016 and was buried in Al-Jadida Cemetery.
Oral interview with Youssef bin Muhammad Dassi, previously cited source.
This hadith was narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim in their Sahih collections from Abu Huraira, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"There are seven whom Allah will shade in His shade on the Day when there is no shade except His shade: a just ruler, a young man who grew up in the worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love each other for the sake of Allah—meeting and parting upon that, a man who is called by a woman of status and beauty but says: ‘Indeed, I fear Allah,’ a man who gives in charity and conceals it so that his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent, and a man who remembers Allah in solitude, and his eyes overflow with tears."
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source.
He used to sit in the Sheikh's study circle with ten to fifteen students.
Oral interview with the Mujahid Muhammad bin Al-Sassi Dassi, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Al-Sadiq bin Omar Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
The Mujahid Bashir Gharbi bin Muhammad was born in 1902. He was an imam at the Ghamra Mosque and joined the revolution in 1955, becoming the leader of the Souf region under the command of Talib Al-Arabi. He was captured and killed in Ramadan 1957.
For more details about his life, see:
Mohamed Rachid Tama, History of Hassi Khalifa, Sakhri Printing Press, El Oued/Algeria, 2012, p. 87 and beyond.
Oral interview with M'atalah bin Muhammad Amara, previously cited source.
These journeys were carried out in complete secrecy. Mabrouk Al-Muqaddam mentioned that he concealed this even from his mother, who would question his prolonged absences. He would mislead her, claiming he was working in the palm groves of Al-Maghir.
Oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Muhammad bin Abdullah Qseiba, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
A series of interviews titled: The Memory of Mujahid Si Mabrouk, El-Moudjahid newspaper, issue no. 1242, Friday, May 25, 1984, p. 46.
These weapons were stored before being sent to the Aurès in Houd Sheikh Ali and Houd Hussein (the nephew of Talib Ali).
Oral interview with Belqasem bin Muhammad Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source;
Oral interview with Hadi bint Al-Bashir Al-Muqaddam (niece of Talib Ali) on 14/01/2024 in Al-Jadida at 16:30.
Oral interview with Muhammad bin Masoud Markhi on 13/08/2023 at his home in Al-Jadida at 10:00 AM.
Khalifa bin Belqasem Chaabani was born in 1896 in the village of Al-Jadida. He was one of Talib Ali’s companions and assistants in arms collection. He joined the Association of Muslim Scholars early on and was present when leaders Mustafa Ben Boulaïd and Mohamed Belouizdad visited Al-Jadida at Talib Ali’s house. He also had connections with Ammi bin Mohamed Al-Hajj. He was arrested in October 1956 for collecting weapons for the revolution and died under torture, along with Talib Ali, in the Debila prison.
Oral interview with Abdelraouf bin Belqasem Chaabani in the municipality of Debila on 04/03/2024 at 10:00 AM.
The trade caravans from Wadi Souf to Biskra and Khenchela passed through the following stations:
First route: From El Oued through Debila, Bir Al-Naziya, Mouit Al-Tajer, Aqlat Al-Baha, Zriba Hamid, Khanqat Sidi Naji, Zriba Al-Oued, Ain Al-Naga, then Biskra and Khenchela.
Second route: From El Oued to Biskra, passing by several water wells, including: Bir Ali bin Saleh, Bir Al-Roumi, Bir Bouchama, Bir Mohamed Al-Saghir, Bir Ouein, Bir Al-Hamraya, Bir Al-Biban, and Bir Al-Muqaybara, then the Chott areas of Biskra.
For more details about caravan routes to and from Wadi Souf, see:
Imam Berrik, The Algerian Revolution in Wadi Souf 1954–1962, Master’s Thesis in Modern and Contemporary History, Department of History, University of May 8, 1945 – Guelma, Algeria, 2014, p. 18 and beyond.
Belqasem bin Khalifa Chaabani was born in 1920. He participated in the Battle of Houd Karim on November 17, 1954, in Hassi Khalifa, where he was wounded and captured by the French administration. After his release from prison in 1957, he fled to Tunisia and only returned after independence. He passed away at El Oued Hospital on 04/06/2009 and was buried in Debila Cemetery.
Oral interview with Abdelraouf bin Belqasem Chaabani, previously cited source.
It is a large bag sewn by the women of the nomads after weaving it from goat hair, sheep wool, and camel fur. It is placed on the backs of camels and used to carry goods and supplies.
Oral interview with Omar bin Al-Sadiq Al-Muqaddam at his home in Al-Jadida on 19/09/2023 at 12:30.
His father was Mohamed Dassi, and his mother was Aisha bint Ahmed Hammouda. He was born in the village of Al-Jadida in 1913, joined the revolution in September 1956, and participated in several battles. He passed away on 29/12/1996 and was buried in Al-Jadida Cemetery.
Oral interview with Al-Arabi bin Ahmed Dassi on 03/05/2024 at his home in Al-Jadida at 08:30.
Oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Massoud bin Mohamed Hamdi, previously cited source; Mohamed bin Abdullah Qseiba, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Mohamed bin Massoud Markhi, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Mohamed bin Belqasem Hamdi (Si Ali), previously cited source.
Oral interview with Mohamed bin Massoud Markhi, previously cited source.
Abdelghani bin Ahmed Al-Amin bin Mohamed Al-Shabi, son of Khazan Mabrouka bint Al-Sayeh, was born in 1931 in Al-Debila and passed away on 25/08/2020 in the city of Annaba.
Ammar bin Al-Bashir bin Mida bin Al-Akhdar bin Ali was born in 1920 in the Ouled Lakhdar neighborhood of the village of Al-Darmini. He passed away in 2000 in the city of Annaba and was buried in Al-Debila Cemetery in El Oued.
Al-Taher bin Al-Bashir bin Mida bin Al-Akhdar bin Ali (one of the sheikhs appointed by the French administration in the region) was born in 1910 in the Ouled Lakhdar neighborhood of the village of Al-Darmini. He was killed along with his son Abdelkader in the town of Al-Maqren in 1962.
Oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Ahmed bin Abbas Amara (born in 1938) at his home in Al-Jadida on Thursday, 13/05/2021, at 10:00 AM.
Abdelsalam bin Ahmed Al-Amin bin Mohamed Al-Shabi, son of Mabrouka Khazan bint Al-Sayeh, was born in 1921 in Al-Debila and passed away on 13/09/2022. He was buried in the city of Annaba.
Oral interview with Aboubakr bin Mahmoud Al-Muqaddam (one of Omar’s grandchildren) on 06/10/2023 at 14:00 PM.
Oral interview with Malik bin Al-Miqdad Boukhezna, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Abdullah bin Ahmida Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
The reason for this battle taking place in Houd Karim was that the mujahideen had agreed to meet with a group of young men from Oued Souf to integrate them into the National Liberation Army. However, some French collaborators learned of their presence in the village of Al-Jadida and started searching for them and tracking their movements. After having dinner in Houd Sheikh Ali, the mujahideen decided to spend the night in Houd Al-Bashir bin Omar Jadidi. They later received information from Mabrouka bint Sheikh Ali that French forces were looking for them. As a result, they left at dawn on November 17, heading east, with the French forces in pursuit. When they reached Houd Karim in Hassi Khalifa around 10:00 AM, a confrontation with the French forces ensued.
They were 11 mujahideen:
• The commander: Mohamed Al-Akhdar Al-Shayeb
• His deputy: Mabrouk Al-Muqaddam
• Al-Arabi Dasi
• Al-Bashir Shniba Ballala
• Belkacem Chaabani
• Abdelrazak Righi
• Khazani Dardouri
• Bashir Al-Ayeb
• Al-Arabi Farjani
• Saleh Souadqia
• Abdelbari Ammar
Oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Youssef bin Mohamed Dasi, previously cited source.
They were: Sheikh Ali, his son Ahmed, Khalifa bin Belkacem Chaabani, and his son Belkacem, Ali bin Abdullah Shniba Ballala, his son the mujahid Al-Arabi, the mujahid Mohamed bin Al-Sassi Dasi, Ali bin Amara Dasi, and his brother Mahmoud, Ibrahim bin Ahmed Al-Shayeb (father of Commander Mohamed Al-Akhdar), his son Al-Aid, Khadija bint Massoud Amara (wife of Commander Mohamed Al-Akhdar), Moammar Drouri (father of the mujahid Khazani Drouri), Ibrahim Laabidi, and Lakhdar Qaboussa.
Oral interview with Youssef bin Mohamed Dasi, previously cited source.
Oral interview with the mujahid Mohamed bin Al-Sassi Dasi, previously cited source; oral interview with Belkacem bin Mohamed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Same source.
The mujahideen were on a mission to collect weapons and clothing and recruit young men to join them in the Aurès Mountains. However, they were reported by French collaborators, leading to their encirclement by French forces in Ṣaḥn al-Ratm, where an armed clash ensued. Seven mujahideen were killed: Righi Abdelrazak, Sdir Bashir, Wadih Kaddour, Khaldi El-Aid, Hammani Ali, Dasi Al-Arabi, and Hamdi Ibrahim. Two were captured: Al-Muqaddam Mabrouk and Abdelkamel Bougazala.
Oral interview with the mujahid Mohamed bin Al-Sassi Dasi, previously cited source.
Upon arriving from the Aurès, the group of mujahideen was divided into two: one heading west of Oued Souf and the other east, with the objective of gathering weapons and recruiting young men. However, their presence was discovered, and they were reported.
Oral interview with Sakta bint Mohamed Dherbal (who lived near Houd Taleb Ali and witnessed the burning of the enclosures) on 07/06/2020 at her home in Al-Jadida at 09:30 AM; oral interview with Belkacem bin Mohamed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Around 70 men gathered in Houd Mohamed Al-Akhdar bin Bouzid, located between the village of Jami’ Mida and the village of Al-Darmini, as well as in Houd Hussein Al-Muqaddam (nephew of Taleb Ali).
Oral interview with the mujahid Al-Bashir Boukhezna (one of the volunteers for Mohamed Al-Akhdar’s army), previously cited source; oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
The army was initially scheduled to descend into the village of Al-Jadida at the home of Mohamed Al-Akhdar, but after being discovered by a French collaborator, their route was changed westward to Guemar.
See: Abu Al-Qasim Saadallah: Research and Opinions on the History of Algeria, Vol. 3, 1st ed., Dar Al-Gharb Al-Islami, Beirut/Lebanon, 1990, p. 124.
While Ahmed was digging a hole in the Houd to hide the weapons, he was seen by a French collaborator burying them. Ahmed threatened him not to inform the French forces, but he did not trust him, so he changed the weapons’ location and moved them to an unknown place.
Oral interview with Hadi bint Al-Bashir Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Masoud bin Mohamed Hamdi, on 14/06/2020, at his home in Al-Jadida, at 18:30 PM.
Oral interview with Sakta bint Mohamed Dherbal, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Masouda bint Mohamed Al-Muqaddam (niece of Taleb Ali), at her home in Al-Jadida, on 19/06/2020, at 17:30 PM.
Oral interview with Masoud bin Mohamed Hamdi, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Khalifa bin the mujahid Hussein Al-Muqaddam (witness to the burning of the enclosures and the killing of Ahmed, son of Sheikh) on Tuesday, 12/12/2023, in Al-Jadida, at 16:30 PM; oral interview with Aisha bint Al-Hussein Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Aisha bint Mohamed Al-Muqaddam (niece of Taleb Ali and witness to the burning of the enclosures and the killing of Ahmed, son of Sheikh), previously cited source; oral interview with Lahachmi bin Amara Khalaifa, on 12/09/2023, at his home, at 17:00 PM.
Oral interview with Khalifa bin the mujahid Hussein Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Aisha bin Mohamed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with the mujahid Mohamed bin Al-Sassi Dasi, previously cited source.
They were: Mohamed bin Al-Sassi Dasi, Mohamed bin Ali Baraika, Ahmed bin Mohamed Dasi, Al-Arousi bin Amara Dasi, Al-Sadiq bin Amara Khalaifa, Rajab bin Masoud Bouafia, Ahmed bin Mohamed Bouafia, Al-Saidi bin Khalifa Salmi, Ali bin Omar Bissa; oral interview with Ahmed bin Ahmed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Youssef bin Mohamed Dasi, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Youssef bin Mohamed Dasi, previously cited source.
Taleb Ali was well aware that the French administration would not leave him alone and would eventually arrest him. It was as if he sensed his imminent fate, so he asked his student, Mohamed bin Belkacem Hamdi (Si Ali), who was always with him in his room, to stop coming to him for fear of being arrested alongside him. The sheikh then gave him the book "Matan Al-Sharnoubia" by Abdelmajid Al-Sharnoubi as a gift. Oral interview with Si Ali Hamdi, previously cited source.
The village was surrounded, and the two sheikhs were arrested along with Lazhari bin Mansour Masoudi, El-Bachir bin Omar Jadidi, Khalifa bin Mida Moumni, El-Aid bin Mohamed Kasiba, El-Bachir bin Mohamed Yousfi, Khadija bint Masoud Amara (wife of commander Mohamed Al-Akhdar), and El-Jabbari bin Khalifa Shaabani. Oral interview with Amara bin El-Aid Kasiba, on 11/06/2022, at his home, at 19:00 PM; oral interview with Lazhari bin Mansour Masoudi, previously cited source.
This prison was opened in Debila in 1956.
Oral interview with Al-Sadiq bin Omar Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Lazhari bin Mansour Masoudi, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Khalifa bin the mujahid Hussein Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Aisha bint Mohamed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Masouda bint Mohamed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source; oral interview with Belkacem bin Mohamed Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
The mujahideen Taher Laajali and El-Aid bin Ahmed Ayashi washed Taleb Ali’s head from the traces of hot coffee. Oral interview with Hamd bin Ahmed Jerad, on 21/08/2023, at his home at 8:00 AM, in the village of Blila.
Oral interview with Amara bin El-Aid Kasiba, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Al-Sadiq bin the mujahid Omar Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
After Taleb Ali was killed, his son Abdelaziz took the books that were in his room and distributed them among his relatives, fearing that the French authorities would destroy them. Oral interview with Mohamed bin Belkacem Hamdi (Si Ali), previously cited source.
The French administration designated a location between the village of Dermine and Debila, which was a deep pit among the sand dunes, where they disposed of the bodies of those they executed. Oral interview with the mujahid Mohamed bin Al-Sassi Dasi, previously cited source; oral interview with Belkacem bin Mohamed Al-Muqaddam; oral interview with Sadiq bin Ammar Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.
Oral interview with Al-Sadiq bin the mujahid Omar Al-Muqaddam, previously cited source.