The Role of Women in Resistance in Early Medieval North Africa: The Case of Al-Kahina (Dihya) (7th Century)

Authors : Ali Hedidi, Moussa Djouad, Abderrahman Benatiallah

Pages : 1154-1166

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Publication Date : 2026-01-03

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This research paper examines the role of women in resistance movements in Early Medieval North Africa, with particular emphasis on the historical experience of Amazigh women in Algeria and the leadership of Dihya, known as Al-Kahina. Early Amazigh history indicates a significant female presence in social, economic, religious, and political spheres, providing an essential context for understanding women’s participation in resistance. Within this framework, the study focuses on Queen Dihya of the Aurès region, analyzing her leadership of the Jarawa tribe and her resistance to Islamic expansion during the seventh century. The paper explores her strategic approaches, most notably the scorched earth policy, and examines the long-term historical legacy attributed to her leadership. The central research questions guiding the study are as follows: How did Al-Kahina contribute to resistance against Islamic expansion in North Africa, and who was Al-Kahina in terms of her specific role in these historical events? By addressing these questions, the research highlights the complex nature of resistance and emphasizes the often-overlooked but pivotal role of women, using Al-Kahina as a critical historical case study.
Keywords : Direnişte kadınlar, El-Kahina (Dihya), Erken Orta Çağ Kuzey Afrika’sı, Amazig tarihi, İslami genişleme

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