The Association of Oulamas of Algeria, of Commander Jacques Carret, Héritage editions

Major Jacques Carret, Arabist and renowned for the quality of his work as well as his impartiality, was commissioned in 1958 to conduct a study on the situation of the Oulamas in Algeria. He wrote a comprehensive account of the Ulama Association, its members and its activities. His testimony is of some use, because it allows us to discover, through the information held by the French Administration, the way in which the Association was described and perceived by the French State which sought to preserve its interests in the colonial Algeria. With the exception of a few rare positions or attempts to minimize the crimes committed by the colonial state, this book is a considerable source of factual information through which the reader will be able to better understand the Association of Oulamas, its influence in the French Algeria, but also its role in the education of the population and the preparation of consciences for the struggle for independence. The reader will even go back to the sources of the Association by reading its statutes, which also contain the fundamental bases of its doctrine.

The intellectual honesty of this commander of the French army will be striking. By way of comparison, nowadays many of those who write about Islam and Muslims do not hesitate to try to justify “scientifically” what is only the reflection of their prejudices. Also surprising is the similarity with certain political decisions of today.

Heritage Editions are pleased to be able to make this historical document available to the general public and researchers.