Description

The Algerian War, also known as the Algerian Revolution or the Algerian War of Independence, occurred from 1954 to 1962 between France and the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN). It resulted in Algeria gaining independence from France. This complex conflict involved guerrilla warfare and war crimes, escalating into a civil war within and between communities. The war primarily unfolded in Algeria but had repercussions in metropolitan France.

Hassiba Ben Bouali (1938-1957) joined the General Union of Algerian Muslim Students at 16 in 1954 and remained involved in the nationalist struggle until her death. In the 1957 Battle of Algiers, she and three companions, including Ali Ammar (aka Ali La Pointe), were killed when their hideout in the Casbah was bombed by French forces.

Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo depicted Ben Bouali in the movie "The Battle of Algiers." She is honored with the naming of one of Algiers' largest avenues and the university of Chlef.