Cheikh El Haddad

Muhand Amezyan Aheddad (30 November 1790, Seddouk - 29 April 1873, Constantine), also known as Cheikh El Haddad, was a prominent leader in the 1871 uprising in Algeria. He collaborated closely with Cheikh El Mokrani and Boumezrag Ait Mokran during this period.

Personal life The family of Cheikh El Haddad relocated from the Ait Mansour tribe (now in the commune of Akfadou) to settle in Ighil Imoula, situated in the Soummam Valley, and subsequently in Seddouk.

The surname "El Haddad" originated from his grandfather, who was a blacksmith. His father, Abi Ali Al-Haddad, established the zawiya of Seddouk, where Muhand Amezyan received instruction in linguistic and religious studies. Later, he continued his education in Islamic theology under the guidance of several esteemed scholars.

In 1860, Cheikh El Haddad assumed leadership of the Rahmaniyya Sufi order in Kabylia, operating from his village of Seddouk-Ouffella, In light of his increasing popularity, the colonial administration expressed concern and subjected both him and his disciples (moqaddim) to close surveillance.

Writing El Haddad authored several works, including a Sufi treatise titled al-Taqyid al-Mubarek. The manuscript comprises 84 folios and was copied in 1876. It was discovered at the Rafsa Zawiyya in Sétif. This zawiyya was established by Cheikh El-Hacène Boucenna, a senior figure in the al-Rahmaniyya Tariqa, succeeding Cheikh El-Houès. Amar Talbi first highlighted this work in 1971, based on the manuscript of M.C. Bencheikh.

The 1845 manuscript on Sufism by Cheikh Bouabdelli provides insight into the social conditions of Haddad's life:

Innovations, Bid'a, have pervaded the world. No city, no village is exempt. I have personally observed this. Tradition, Sunna, has yielded to worldly passions. The people of orthodoxy face increasing humiliation. As for the innovators, they are the ones occupying positions of responsibility in administration, justice, and beyond — Cheikh El Haddad, 1845

The resistance called for by El Haddad encompassed a significant portion of Algeria, stretching from Algiers in the east to Batna in the north. However, this widespread resistance proved insufficient to overcome the French army, which ultimately emerged victorious. In addition to the considerable casualties during the conflicts, a harsh repression ensued. Tribes were compelled to pay a war contribution, often burdening the most impoverished, and their lands were seized.

Following the defeat, El Haddad was arrested on July 13, 1871. On April 19, 1873, he was sentenced to five years in prison by the Assize Court of Constantine. He died in custody on April 29, 1873, only 10 days after being sentenced, at the age of 83. His two sons, Aziz and M'hand, were deported to New Caledonia.