French Expedition to Béjaia (1831)

French Expedition To Béjaia
Part of French conquest of Algeria
Date 1831 Location Béjaia, Algeria Result Algerian victory
Belligerents
Tribe of Mézzaïa	France
Commanders and leaders
Caïd Mourad
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The French Expedition To Béjaia was a battle launched by France to capture the city of Béjaia from the tribes of Mézzaïa.

Background

Béjaia faced persistent conflicts with the French until it ultimately fell under their control. Following the overthrow of the Dey, the tribes of Mézzaïa assumed command over the city. An intriguing historical turn unfolded in 1831 when they were met with a minor French expedition launched against their dominion.[1]

Expedition

A certain Caïd Mourad, who was the tribe leader defended the city from the French, with them having an unknown commander leading them, aimed at imposing the leadership of Caïd Mourad, this attempt was met with failure, underscoring the tribe's resilience and determination to resist external impositions, and defend the city.[2]

Aftermath

In 1833, a renewed expedition culminated in the capture of the city, despite the fierce resistance mounted by its inhabitants. Notably, the tenacity displayed by the local population during this relentless struggle left an indelible mark on the historical tapestry. Interestingly, the French, though successful in seizing the city, faced challenges in extending their conquest to the surrounding areas.[3][2]

In November 1835, the Kabyles launched an attack to reclaim the city but were defeated in their efforts. The ensuing battle spanned five days, predominantly characterized by close-quarters combat.[4]

References

1. Des militaires en couple La conjugalité des officiers et des soldats, face aux évolutions de l'institution militaire, dans les armées françaises (1650-fin des années 1780). p. 283.
2. Féraud, Charles (2001). Histoire de Bougie. Bibliothèque d'histoire du Maghreb. Saint-Denis: Éd. Bouchène. ISBN 978-2-912946-28-7.
3. Louis-Salvator; Jambert, Viviane; Augarde, Jacques (1999). Bougie, la perle de l'Afrique du Nord. Paris Montréal (Québec): l'Harmattan. ISBN 978-2-7384-8455-0.
4. Hugo, Abel (1838). France militaire. Histoire des armées françaises de terre et de mer de 1792 à 1837: Ouvrage rédigé par une société de militaires et de gens de lettres, d'après les bulletins des armées, le Moniteur, les documents officiels, les notes, mémoires, rapports et ouvrages militaires de l'empereur Napoléon, des maréchaux, amiraux et généraux en chef, Eugène Beauharnais, Bernadotte, ... etc (in French). Delloye.