Obsession of the French Extreme Right and Morocco: Algeria a French Creation?

To understand the obsession of the French far-right and Morocco with the thesis that Algeria was created by France and never existed as a nation, it is crucial to recall that Algeria was a powerful and independent political entity before French colonization. Furthermore, Algeria was the cradle of many influential civilizations that dominated the Maghreb. This article provides a detailed analysis of this rich history based on academic sources.

Modern Algeria maintains deep continuity with ancient Numidia, both geographically, historically, and culturally. Geographically, present-day Algeria largely corresponds to the historical boundaries of Numidia, an ancient region encompassing North Africa. This geographical stability demonstrates persistent territorial continuity through the centuries (History of the Berbers, 1952).

Historically, the Berbers, the indigenous people of Numidia, played a central role in shaping the cultural identity of modern Algeria. Their heritage is evident in the languages, customs, and traditions that endure to this day (Berber Culture, 1980). Under the Roman Empire, Numidia was politically and culturally integrated, marking another significant phase of its history (Numidia under the Roman Empire, 1976).

Culturally, the Berber language is still spoken in certain regions of Algeria, while the influence of Islamic culture has been integrated into the social and religious fabric of the country over centuries (Languages in Algeria, 2013). Archaeological sites scattered across Algeria, such as Timgad and Djémila, attest to the historical richness of Numidia and the persistence of this cultural continuity through the ages (Archaeological Sites in Algeria, 2004).

French Colonization and Narrative Construction

French colonization profoundly altered the political and social landscape of Algeria. For nearly 132 years, France imposed its administration and culture, often at the expense of pre-existing local identities (Stora, 2001). A crucial aspect of this colonial period was France's attempt to legitimize its occupation by minimizing the pre-colonial existence of a distinct Algerian nation (Ageron, 1991).

Convergence of Political Interests

The convergence between the French far-right nostalgic for French Algeria and certain elites in Morocco is embodied through Bernard Lugan, a controversial historian elevated to the status of official historian by the Moroccan regime. Lugan, known for his often criticized interpretations of colonial history, resonates with those who share a revisionist and conservative view of Franco-African relations. This alliance raises questions about the political use of history to legitimize narratives that align with ideological and political interests.

Motivations of the French Far-Right

The French far-right, nostalgic for the colonial empire, often uses a simplistic view of Algerian history to justify colonization as a civilizing mission and to promote an exclusivist vision of French national identity (Stora, 2001). By denying the existence of a pre-colonial Algerian nation, they seek to legitimize the imposition of French culture and downplay criticisms of colonial atrocities.

Strategies of the Moroccan Regime

For the Moroccan regime, the delegitimization of Algerian national history is part of a complex strategy to consolidate power and promote national unity. Relations between Algeria and Morocco have often been marked by territorial rivalries and conflicts, particularly over the Western Sahara issue (Pennell, 2001). By contesting the existence of a pre-colonial Algerian nation, Morocco seeks to weaken Algeria's international legitimacy and strengthen its own nationalist narrative.

Political and Social Consequences

The implications of this historical manipulation extend beyond mere reinterpretation of the past. They fuel interstate tensions and reinforce nationalist and xenophobic discourses, both in France and Morocco. Moreover, they complicate efforts for reconciliation and regional cooperation, crucial for Maghreb stability.

Pre-colonial Power of Algeria

The Regency of Algiers (1516-1830)

Independent State: Established in 1516 by the Barbarossa brothers, the Regency of Algiers was a semi-autonomous state under nominal Ottoman suzerainty. However, it enjoyed significant autonomy and conducted its own internal and external policies (Benrabah, 2013).

Maritime Power: The Regency of Algiers was one of the most feared maritime powers in the Mediterranean, conducting corsair expeditions and maintaining a fleet capable of rivaling European powers of the time (Wolf, 1979).

Local Administration: The Algerian state had its own administrative system, with a Dey (head of state) elected by local leaders, demonstrating a complex political structure and significant autonomy from the Ottoman Empire (Valensi, 1977).

Economic and Military Power

Commerce and Agriculture: The Algerian economy before colonization flourished due to agriculture, trade, and corsair activities. Port cities like Algiers, Oran, and Annaba were dynamic commercial centers (Julien, 1952).

Armed Forces: The Regency of Algiers had military forces capable of defending its territory and exerting regional influence, with well-trained and equipped local troops (Brett, 1973).

Cultural and Political Identity

Culture and Society: Pre-colonial Algerian society was rich and diverse, with a culture influenced by Berber, Arab, and Ottoman influences. Algerian cities were important intellectual and cultural centers (Grandguillaume, 2004).

Sovereignty: Contrary to popular belief, the Regency of Algiers exercised real and effective sovereignty over its territory, maintaining diplomatic relations, signing treaties, and waging wars independently of the Ottoman Empire (McDougall, 2017).

Conclusion

The history of Algeria before French colonization is one of a rich and diverse nation, shaped by centuries of interaction among different cultures and civilizations. Attempts by certain political actors, such as the French far-right and some Moroccan currents, to deny this history are not only historically inaccurate but also politically motivated. Understanding these historical manipulations is essential to demystify nationalist discourses and promote a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of Maghreb history.

References

• Abun-Nasr, J. M. (1987). A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period. Cambridge University Press.
• Ageron, C. R. (1991). Modern Algeria: A History from 1830 to the Present. Africa World Press.
• Benrabah, M. (2013). Language Conflict in Algeria: From Colonialism to Post-Independence. Multilingual Matters.
• Brett, M. (1973). The Rise of the Fatimids: The World of the Mediterranean and the Middle East in the Fourth Century of the Hijra, Tenth Century CE. BRILL.
• Brett, M., & Fentress, E. (1996). The Berbers. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Camps, G. (1980). Berberes: Aux marges de l'histoire. Seuil.
• Grandguillaume, G. (2004). L'Algérie: Pour comprendre. La Découverte.
• Halm, H. (1996). The Empire of the Mahdi: The Rise of the Fatimids. BRILL.
• Julien, C.-A. (1952). Histoire de l'Afrique du Nord: Des origines à 1830. Payot.
• Le Tourneau, R. (1976). The Almohad Movement in North Africa in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries. Princeton University Press.
• Lev, Y. (1991). State and Society in Fatimid Egypt. E. J. Brill.
• McDougall, J. (2017). A History of Algeria. Cambridge University Press.
• Naylor, P. C. (2009). North Africa: A History from Antiquity to the Present. University of Texas Press.
• Pennell, C. R. (2001). Morocco: From Empire to Independence. Oneworld Publications.
• Stora, B. (2001). Algeria, 1830-2000: A Short History. Cornell University Press.