The battle of Temda (December 23, 1845), the historical encounter between Emir Abdelkader and the French

Abstract

This study sheds light on one of Emir Abdelkader’s  historical battles against the French occupation. The battle of Temda which was fought on December 23, 1845 near Kheneg Temda of Djebel Bouchtout in the north of Tiaret represents a  significant event as a real encounter with Emir Abdelkader after two years of  tracking in the Western regions of Algeria. This study is based on two French testimonies on the details of this battle and its consequences. The number of French victims reached 10 non-commissioned officers killed, 20 wounded, including two officers and 60 horses killed. While it is difficult to determine the number of Emir's losses due to the absence of historical sources we can say that the battle of Temda was a long awaited encounter as a result of the siege imposed on Emir Abdelkader by cutting off aid from Morocco and the deployment of French forces throughout the Oranian region. But, in addition to the participation of Sherif Boumaza and his men, this battle showed the Emir toughness and how fast his movements were in his relentless quest to revive the spirit of resistance.

Key words: Emir Abdelkader; Battle of Temda; cherif Boumaza; marshal Bugeaud.