 |
Ferhat AbbasOne of the leaders of the struggle for Algerian independence; held moderate nationalist views.
Date of Birth: 14.08.1899
Country:  Algeria |
Content:
- Ferhat Abbas: A Leader of Algerian Independence
- Political Activism
- The Young Algerian
- Народный Союз Алжира (National Union of Algeria)
- L'Entente Franco-Musulmane Newspaper
- Алжирский Народный Союз (Algerian People's Union)
- World War II and Exile
- Post-War Struggles
- Manifesto of the Algerian People
- Association of Friends of the Manifesto and Liberty
- Imprisonment and Legacy
Ferhat Abbas: A Leader of Algerian Independence
Early Life and EducationFerhat Abbas was born on August 24, 1899, in Taher, near Constantine, Algeria. He was one of 12 children in a peasant family. In 1909, he began attending school, and at age 14 was sent to Philippeville (now Skikda) for further education.
Political Activism
In 1921-1924, Abbas served in the army and published articles in various newspapers under the pseudonym "Kamel Abensedjar." In 1924, he enrolled in the University of Algiers, where he studied pharmacy and became involved in student politics. He co-founded the Association of Muslim Students of North Africa in Paris in 1924 and served as its president from 1926-1927.
The Young Algerian
In 1931, Abbas published his book "Le Jeune Algerien" (The Young Algerian), outlining his vision for Algeria's future. He advocated for equal rights for Algerian Arabs and integration with France.
Народный Союз Алжира (National Union of Algeria)
In 1933, Abbas helped establish the Народный Союз Алжира (National Union of Algeria). He became a prominent figure, serving as general councilor and municipal council member for Setif.
L'Entente Franco-Musulmane Newspaper
Abbas joined the "Fédération des élus musulmans de Constantine" (Federation of Muslim Electors of Constantine) in 1933. He worked as a journalist for their weekly newspaper, "L'Entente franco-musulmane" (Franco-Muslim Agreement), and later became its editor-in-chief.
Алжирский Народный Союз (Algerian People's Union)
In 1938, Abbas founded the Алжирский Народный Союз (Algerian People's Union), which advocated for equal rights with French citizens. The party, along with the Federation of Native Electors, became the voice of liberal Algerians.
World War II and Exile
When France entered World War II in 1939, Abbas disbanded his party and volunteered for the French army. He was demobilized after France's defeat.
Post-War Struggles
By 1942, Abbas was a recognized leader in Algeria's fight for rights. He sent a "Message of Muslim Representatives" to the new French authorities, outlining his demands for reforms.
Manifesto of the Algerian People
In 1943, Abbas released the "Manifesto of the Algerian People," which further elaborated on his ideas for anti-colonial reforms. His proposals were rejected by French authorities.
Association of Friends of the Manifesto and Liberty
In 1944, Abbas founded the "Association of Friends of the Manifesto and Liberty." The association demanded the creation of an autonomous Algerian federation within a "renewed and anti-colonialist France." It gained widespread support, but internal divisions within the group eventually led to its dissolution.
Imprisonment and Legacy
In 1945, French authorities arrested Abbas and other leaders of the Association of Friends of the Manifesto and Liberty. Despite his advocacy for peaceful methods of achieving independence, Abbas remained a significant figure in the Algerian independence movement.
