Al-Jazaira, Warda b. July 17, 1939 d. May 17, 2012 Singer. Called "The Rose of Algeria" but usually known simply as "Warda", she was perhaps the Arab world's leading vocalist over a 50 year career that saw her give countless concerts and sell millions of albums. Born Warda Muhammad al-Fatouki to Algerian and Lebanese parents in the Paris suburb of Puteaux, she began singing professionally at 11 and quickly became known for performing Algerian patriotic songs. Upon her 1962 marriage Warda's husband forbade her to sing, a decision that silenced...[Read More] (Bio by: Bob Hufford) El Alia Cemetery, Algiers, Alger, Algeria
al-Qadir, Abd b. September 6, 1808 d. May 26, 1883 Algerian Independence Leader. He was born in the town of Mascara when Algeria was part of the Turkish Empire, and received a comprehensive education. He made the hajj with his father in 1825 and returned to Algeria in 1830, shortly before the French invaded and supplanted the Turks. Abd began guerrilla warfare, and within two years was the leader of the resistance. For 15 years he prevented French control, but the French finally prevailed and Abd surrendered, was detained in France, and...[Read More] (Bio by: Bill McKern) El Alia Cemetery, Algiers, Alger, Algeria
Darlan, Jean Francois b. August 7, 1881 d. December 24, 1942 French Admiral. A career naval officer, he became commander of the French navy in 1939 and joined the Vichy government in 1940 as minister of the navy. After the fall of Pierre Laval in February of 1941, Darlan was named vice premier, foreign minister, and successor-designate to Marshal Petain; he was the actual head of government. When Laval returned to power in April of 1942, he lost his cabinet posts, but was given command of the French armed forces. In Algiers during the Allied landing...[Read More] (Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye) Darlan Mausoleum, Algiers, Alger, Algeria
b. July 17, 1939 d. May 17, 2012