Lakhasly

"Nationalism" refers to the principles and ideas adopted by a people who have been subjected to colonialism in order to regain their sovereignty and rights that were taken away from them by the foreign occupier.As for General Demichel, who negotiated with Emir Abdelkader in February 1834, he stated before the French Parliament that Algeria, despite its occupation by force, remains subject to Emir Abdelkader.The Legitimacy of the Algerian Nation: The French minister Thiers stated in his remarks in 1836 that Emir Abdelkader is the only legitimate representative of the Algerian nation.For example, the historian Paul Gavarrel wrote on several occasions that France was fighting in Algeria a nation driven by religion, patriotism, and history.The historian Andre Julien also pointed out in his writings to the fact that the Algerians are the most people attached to the land and religion.He is, in the opinion of most Algerians, the only representative of legitimacy without dispute, and he is, in their opinion, the only one capable of reviving the modern Algerian state.However, the existence of another party that was fanatical about the view that there was no Algerian state at the time of the occupation was the dominant party that controlled the work of the government.From the foregoing, we can confirm that a large number of French people were convinced from the early days of the occupation that Algeria was a fully sovereign state.He believes that it is the occupation that caused the growth of fanaticism among Algerians.This party was pushing for further expansion in the occupation of the land.

The Algerian National Movement
The term "national movement" refers to an organized and continuous public or secret action that usually takes the form of a comprehensive political or reform program. "Nationalism" refers to the principles and ideas adopted by a people who have been subjected to colonialism in order to regain their sovereignty and rights that were taken away from them by the foreign occupier. The movement usually takes the form of political struggle and peaceful resistance in order to achieve independence.
Historical Evidence of Algerian Statehood:
If we go back to the evidence and clues, they all indicate that the Algerian state existed long before the French invasion of the country. It was represented by the people and in the person of the ruler, in the geographical borders of the country, in the diwan of political relations, and in diplomacy between Algeria and most countries. It was also represented in the language, religion, and shared history, and above all, in the deep and strong sense of the people of the idea of one nation.
The Impact of Colonialism:
However, this sense was not clearly visible due to the general cultural deficit and the lack of sufficient political awareness of the idea of one nation among Algerians. If colonialism had any merit in this regard, it lies in its ability to revive and awaken that awareness among Algerians of the concept of nation and homeland.
Debunking Colonialist Claims:
In light of the above, all the claims and justifications presented by the colonizer regarding the non existence of the Algerian nation and state at the time of the occupation are weak and incorrect. The aim of the colonizer behind promoting such claims was to erase the identity and personality of the Muslim Algerian people. It is worth noting at this point that some French writers were from the beginning at odds with their government on this issue.
French Testimonies:
Among these writers was one of the most important Kabyles of Algeria who lived during the period of French occupation and was one of the first pioneers to defend the nation and homeland. One of his most important works is the book "The Mirror", which was a petition he presented to the French Parliament and government in 1833.
For example, the historian Paul Gavarrel wrote on several occasions that France was fighting in Algeria a nation driven by religion, patriotism, and history. The historian André Julien also pointed out in his writings to the fact that the Algerians are the most people attached to the land and religion. He believes that it is the occupation that caused the growth of fanaticism among Algerians.
The Legitimacy of the Algerian Nation:
The French minister Thiers stated in his remarks in 1836 that Emir Abdelkader is the only legitimate representative of the Algerian nation. As for General Demichel, who negotiated with Emir Abdelkader in February 1834, he stated before the French Parliament that Algeria, despite its occupation by force, remains subject to Emir Abdelkader. He is, in the opinion of most Algerians, the only representative of legitimacy without dispute, and he is, in their opinion, the only one capable of reviving the modern Algerian state.
From the foregoing, we can confirm that a large number of French people were convinced from the early days of the occupation that Algeria was a fully sovereign state. However, the existence of another party that was fanatical about the view that there was no Algerian state at the time of the occupation was the dominant party that controlled the work of the government. This party was pushing for further expansion in the occupation of the land.