Episode 42 Regarding the Battle of Al-Buyut and the Role of the Leader Mohamed Ben Ali Al-Lamaghi

بواسطة El lhioui jaafar - يوليو 05, 2026

Regarding the Battle of Al-Buyut and the Role of the Leader Mohamed Ben Ali Al-Lamaghi

A historical photograph capturing a chaotic battle scene in the mountainous Anjra region of Morocco in 1916. On the left, behind a fortified stone wall, Spanish colonial soldiers in khaki uniforms and pith helmets fire their rifles, with a tattered Spanish flag flying above. In the center foreground, an Anjra resistance leader in a white djellaba falls backward after being shot, his hands raised. Other resistance fighters, armed with rifles and dressed in traditional brown and striped djellabas and turbans, rush forward from the right, charging the Spanish positions. In the mid-ground, hundreds more tribal fighters swarm the rugged, terraced hillsides against a backdrop of distant, fortified villages under a warm, dusty sky. A Spanish officer on horseback observes the fighting within the compound. The scene is filled with the smoke of gunfire and the movement of combat."

The treacherous ambush at the Al-Buyut military barracks on June 19, 1916, where colonial forces betrayed local resistance leaders under the false pretense of peace."

Al-Buyut was a strategic elevated position.

A Spanish officer with the rank of Colonel, named Federico from the city of Ceuta, took control of it. This officer then turned his focus toward eliminating the heroes of the resistance, foremost among them being Mohamed Ben Ali Al-Lamaghi, who was famous for his heroism. Mohamed Ben Ali Al-Lamaghi was aware that these heroes were illiterate and lacked general knowledge, yet he possessed innate intelligence. The Spanish tried in various ways to get to them, but they were met with caution and vigilance. The Spanish conducted numerous communications with these heroes, showing them affection and claiming they desired peace, while their intentions were filled with treachery. In the end, the Spanish succeeded in luring them through an invitation to a tea party at the military barracks. Sayyid Ali Ben Ali Al-Lamaghi, the leader of the village of Al-Buyut, was one of those who attended this invitation. These heroes aspired to receive pledges of safety and trusted the Spanish promises, believing that the Spanish would keep their word. However, the reality was entirely different; that invitation was nothing but a trap to ensnare them, as the Spanish were harboring treachery against them.

The resistance fighters faced the situation with boldness, but when the Spanish soldiers emerged from the city of Ceuta, led by Federico, they pretended to communicate with the people of Al-Buyut with affection. The Spanish authorities asked them to attend a tea party as a gesture of goodwill, with a pledge not to carry weapons. Unfortunately, these resistance fighters agreed to this invitation and headed to the site of the party while they were unarmed.

Upon their arrival at the specified location, they found themselves surrounded by Spanish soldiers. When they attempted to enter the barracks, the Spanish betrayed them and opened fire upon them. The leader Abdul Qadir Al-Sharkī was killed immediately at the door of the barracks, while Mohamed Ben Ali Al-Lamaghi fell as a martyr after receiving his share of bullets.

"The Battle of Al-Buyut" is considered a historic, landmark battle, as the tribesmen participated in it with unparalleled courage. The battle resulted in the destruction of Colonel Franco and the injury of a large number of Spanish soldiers. According to historical accounts, the Spanish army lost approximately ten thousand soldiers in this battle. And the people of the Anjra tribe say that this battle was special for the men of their tribe, as no other tribes participated in it.

Historical Note:

The "Battle of Al-Buyut" is considered one of the famous battles that occurred in the early stages of the "Jihad" on June 19, 1916, after the occupation of the location mentioned. And when they were there, it was after the first occupation, and this second one was not like the first one in terms of fame, which occurred on 19-6-1916

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Battle of Al-Buyut stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the people of Anjra in their struggle for dignity and resistance. While the treachery of the colonial forces led to the martyrdom of brave leaders like Mohamed Ben Ali Al-Lamaghi and Abdul Qadir Al-Sharkī, their courage remains a symbol of defiance. This historical episode, occurring on June 19, 1916, highlights not only the brutality of the occupation but also the unwavering resolve of the tribal fighters who stood against it. Today, their legacy endures as a testament to the honor and spirit of those who defended their land.

Topics Covered in This Episode

Battle of Al-Buyut 1916,

بحث هذه المدونة الإلكترونية

أرشيف الطاهر اللهيوي | الذاكرة التاريخية Taher Lhioui Archive | Historical Memory