Sheikh Mohamed Belkhair: A Poet of Resistance and Exile

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Sheikh Mohamed Belkhair is one of Algeria’s most renowned folk poets, celebrated for his profound contributions to Algerian resistance poetry during the French colonial era

Ana S. Gad

Sheikh Mohamed Belkhair (1830–1898) stands as one of Algeria’s most renowned folk poets, celebrated for his profound contributions to Algerian resistance poetry during the French colonial era. His life and work epitomize the spirit of resilience, cultural identity, and defiance against oppression. Born in Wadi Al-Maleh, near Ain Temouchent, his life mirrored the tumultuous history of Algeria, beginning with the French occupation in 1830.

Early Life and Cultural Influences

Belkhair hailed from the Rizeigat tribe, a nomadic community known for its horsemanship, poetry, and love of freedom. Growing up in the rugged landscapes of eastern El Bayadh, he imbibed the values of generosity, loyalty, and perseverance that became hallmarks of his character and poetry. His upbringing in a nomadic environment shaped his poetic voice, infusing it with vivid imagery of the desert and its people.

Emergence of a Poetic Talent

By the age of 20, Belkhair’s poetic talent had blossomed. His early works praised religious figures, particularly Sidi Al-Sheikh, the founder of the Sheikhiyya method, which was rooted in the Shadhili Sufi order. His verses celebrated monotheism, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the beauty of the Bedouin way of life, marked by dignity and chastity.

Belkhair’s exposure to the poetic traditions of Tlemcen further refined his craft. He drew inspiration from renowned poets such as Ibn Masayeb, Ben Triki, and Al-Akhdar Ben Khalouf. These influences merged with his unique voice, making him a prominent figure in Algerian folk poetry.

A Voice of Resistance

Sheikh Mohamed Belkhair’s poetry transcended personal expression, becoming a powerful tool of resistance. During the Revolution of Ouled Sidi Sheikh in 1864, he joined the ranks of revolutionaries fighting French colonial rule. His poems celebrated the courage and sacrifices of the revolutionaries, serving as a unifying force and a means of communication among the resistance.

Belkhair’s unwavering defiance of French colonialism continued even after the signing of the Brezina Peace Treaty in 1883. His refusal to accept truces led to his exile to the island of Corsica in 1887. This forced separation from his homeland did not silence him; instead, it deepened his resolve.

“Slak Erased From the Wasteland”: A Poem of Exile

While in exile, Belkhair composed some of his most poignant works, including the iconic poem Slak Erased from the Wasteland. This poem encapsulates the anguish of exile, the yearning for freedom, and unwavering faith in divine justice. It resonated deeply with the Algerian people, becoming a symbol of their collective struggle against colonial oppression.

The poem gained immense popularity, spreading through oral tradition and later being sung by Bedouin sheikhs and artists. It found new life in the 1970s with the rise of Rai music, as artists like Cheb Khaled, Houari Benchenat, and Guider Ben Said brought it to contemporary audiences. Its enduring relevance underscores its universal themes of resistance, faith, and hope.

Legacy

Sheikh Mohamed Belkhair passed away in 1898, but his legacy lives on. His poetry is not only a testament to his artistic genius but also a historical record of Algeria’s resistance against colonialism. His works continue to inspire Algerians and remind the world of the enduring power of words in the fight for freedom and justice.

Belkhair’s life and poetry exemplify the unyielding spirit of a nation and the timeless role of art in shaping cultural identity and resistance. Through his verses, he remains a symbol of resilience, faith, and the quest for liberty.

Read – ALGERIA: ECHOES OF A MILLION MARTYRS

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Dr Ana-S-Gad- Sindh Courier
Dr Ana-S-Gad

Ana S. Gad is a pen name of the Dubai-based, internationally acclaimed and multi-awarded-winning Serbian writer, researcher, media professional, digital artist and humanitarian ambassador Dr. Ana Stjelja. She has published more than 30 books across various literary genres and languages.

Courtesy: Enheduana

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