Al-Rūḥ Al-Qāsimiyyah newspaper (1948): An Analytical approach to its reformist and political discourse

Abstract

During the colonial period, Algerian zawiyas were active in cultural and intellectual resistance, in addition to their traditional religious and educational roles. Zaouiat El Hamel was notable for preserving national identity, especially through journalistic work that shaped public opinion. In this context, Al-Ruh al-Qasimiyya, a secret reformist journal launched in 1948, expressed the zawiya's stance toward French colonialism. It served the Algerian national cause during a critical time, defending identity and employing methods adapted to the escalating colonial censorship aimed at suppressing freedom of opinion and expression.

The publication of Al-Ruh al-Qasimiyya was an exceptional experience, rare among Algerian newspapers. Issued secretly and in handwritten form, this article introduces the newspaper, explains why it operated in secret, and highlights the significance of undeclared journalistic discourse as a national struggle before the November 1954 Revolution. It also analyses its content and reformist orientation by addressing: How did Al-Ruh al-Qasimiyya shape reformist and national awareness in Algeria in the 1950s, and what was its discourse amid prevailing intellectual and political currents? This study used the historical method to analyse Al-Ruh al-Qasimiyya as a journalistic artefact of its colonial context, tracing its emergence and content. It also adopted the descriptive method to identify the main issues and journalistic discourse. The study drew from Al-Ruh newspaper samples and secondary sources on the national press and reformist struggle of the early twentieth century.

The study found that, despite its secret, handwritten nature and limited circulation, Al-Ruh al-Qasimiyya contributed to the Algerian national cause through a reformist journalistic discourse that raised awareness and reinforced identity. Adopting a secret, handwritten format was necessary due to colonial conditions and helped continue journalistic work in Algeria during the 1950s.

Keywords: Al-Ruh newspaper, Journalism, Zaouiat El Hamel,colonialism.