Episode 24: The Proclamation of Jihad and the Battle of Zinat
Introduction
The resistance movement led by Sharif Moulay Ahmed Er-Rissouni represents a critical chapter in the history of northern Morocco. By 1913, the tension between Er-Rissouni and the Spanish colonial administration reached a breaking point, leading to a profound military escalation.
The Strategic Significance of Zinat
Zinat served as both the birthplace and the political headquarters of Sharif Moulay Ahmed Er-Rissouni. Its administrative importance, combined with its symbolic value, made it a primary target for the Spanish colonial forces, causing significant alarm within the political circles of Madrid. The Spanish administration viewed the village as a symbol of Er-Rissouni’s influence, which they sought to eradicate to consolidate their control over the region.
The Failed Offensive of Colonel Silvestre
On May 5, 1913 (27 Jumada I, 1331 AH), Colonel Silvestre launched a major military offensive against Zinat, aiming to dismantle Er-Rissouni's power structure. Despite the colonial forces' expectations of a quick victory, the assault resulted in a crushing defeat.
- The resistance fighters, led by Er-Rissouni, successfully repelled the attack, forcing the Spanish forces to retreat with heavy losses.
- This engagement served as a harsh tactical lesson for Colonel Silvestre, echoing his previous failure in a conflict against Moroccan regular forces led by Idris Er-Rifi, a battle in which Er-Rissouni had also played a pivotal role.
Administrative and Military Organization
Following the victory at Zinat, Er-Rissouni conducted inspections of strategic hubs, specifically "Dar Ben Qareish" and the "Rebat" region, to reorganize the resistance. To maintain institutional order, he established a clear organizational structure by appointing key military and administrative leaders:
- Field Commander: weld AHamido El Kharraz,The right hand of a líder Raisouni .
- Field Commander: Ahmed Ben Dakoun Al-Khamsi.
- Administrative Chief: Sharif Sidi Mohammed Ould Sidi Lahcen.
Tribal Mobilization
The mobilization was immense, drawing approximately 5,000 fighters from a diverse coalition of tribes. These fighters, who transitioned from their agrarian lifestyles to become a disciplined force, hailed from various regions including:
- Ghomara.
- Beni Ahmed.
- Anjra.
- Beni Hozmar.
- Beni Hassan.
Conclusion
The events in Zinat demonstrated that Er-Rissouni's movement was far more than a localized uprising; it was a sophisticated entity capable of mobilizing thousands of tribesmen to defend their land and sovereignty. This period marked the consolidation of a highly organized phase of the struggle for independence in the mountain regions of northern Morocco.
- Strategic Overview: The Battle of Zinat demonstrated that Er-Rissouni’s movement was a sophisticated military and political entity, rather than merely a local uprising.
- Mass Mobilization: Er-Rissouni successfully mobilized approximately 5,000 fighters from diverse tribes, including Ghomara, Beni Ahmed, Anjra, Beni Hazmar, and Beni Hassan, transitioning them from agrarian life into an organized defensive force.
- Confrontation Results: Colonel Silvestre failed in his objective to break Er-Rissouni’s influence, which served as a harsh tactical lesson for colonial forces and confirmed the Mujahideen's capability to protect their territory.
- Institutional Organization: A formal command structure was established to ensure the continuity of the struggle, marked by the appointment of field commanders such as Hamido El Kharraz and Ahmed Ben Dakoun Al-Khamsi, as well as an administrative chief, Sharif Sidi Mohammed Ould Sidi Lahcen.
- Topics Covered in This Episode
- Moroccan History,Moroccan Resistance,Moulay Ahmed Er-Rissouni,Northern Morocco
See also,the previous episode 👇
المشرف على منصة "أرشيف شمال المغرب" للتوثيق والبحث التاريخي.
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