2-798-853 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Abd-el-Kader, from an authentic French portrait, 1845. Emir Abdelkader, an Algerian religious and military leader, led a struggle against the French colonial invasion in North Africa. 'Abd-el-Kader has appealed to the religious enthusiasm of his countrymen, and this he directs with great skill and activity. His mode of warfare is predatory - the most difficult to meet effectually in such a country. He has several times narrowly escaped being taken, once solely by a daring leap on horseback; but as yet has defied all the efforts of the French, though they have offered a reward of Four Thousand Pounds for his head. He keeps up a harassing war, in which the French can gain nothing and lose a great deal...such is his influence over the Mahommetan population, that it is not impossible he may seize the Throne of Morocco for himself'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.