The Queen Al Kahina

 

The Queen Al Kahina     

I am certain that in all countries, there are heroes. We admire them and dreamt about them in our youth when we heard their stories and adventures. My hero is a wonderful woman, Al Kahina.

The queen Al Kahina is very famous in Algeria, and many Berber girls are named "Dahiya or Kahina." Here is her story:

Kahina was part of the Jerawa tribe, a branch of the larger Berber tribes, and was believed to be of Jewish or Christian faith. Her real name is often cited as Dihya, while "Kahina" translates to "prophetess" or "seer," reflecting her reputed prophetic abilities.

Leadership and Resistance:

After the death of the Berber king Aksel (also known as Kusaila), who had resisted the Arab forces, Kahina emerged as a leader. She unified various Berber tribes and led a formidable resistance against the Arab invaders led by the Umayyad Caliphate. Her leadership was notable for its effectiveness and her ability to inspire and organize the disparate Berber groups, she was a queen, woman and warrior.

Military Campaigns: 

Kahina's most significant victory came around 688-690 AD when she defeated the Arab general Hasan ibn al-Nu'man. This victory temporarily halted the Arab advance and solidified her control over a large portion of North Africa, including what is now Tunisia and parts of Algeria.

Downfall and Legacy:

However, her reign was relatively short-lived. By 698 AD, the Arabs regrouped and launched a renewed offensive. Kahina, realizing her forces could not withstand the Arab assault indefinitely, employed a scorched earth policy, destroying towns and fields to deprive the invaders of resources. This tactic ultimately led to her defeat, as it alienated some of her supporters. She was killed in battle, and her forces were eventually overcome by the Arab armies.

Dahiya memorial in Algeria - Khanchala

Kahina's legacy is one of resilience and defiance. She remains a symbol of Berber nationalism and resistance against foreign domination. Her story has been celebrated in Berber culture and beyond, highlighting her as a powerful female leader who stood against one of the most significant military forces of her time.