The Algerian political and religious leader Abd el-Kadir (1807-1883) was the first national hero of Algeria. In 15 years of armed struggle against the French occupation of Algeria, he became a symbol of tenacious resistance to colonialism.

In May 1807 Abd el-Kadir was born in the province of Oran into a famous family of marabouts (holy men). He received a traditional education and mastered the subtleties of Islamic theology. At the end of his adolescence he visited Mecca and several Middle Eastern countries. The trip greatly influenced his development.

In November 1832, 2 years after the French occupation of Algiers had begun, the Algerian tribes designated Abd el-Kadir to conduct a holy war against the invaders. At the age of 24 this pious marabout became transformed into an energetic and highly capable warrior. In the struggle that followed, his vision was always more religious than nationalistic, but his example helped forge the embryo...