WHO: Emir Abd el-Kader, a “barbarian” and France’s most resilient and wily enemy for fifteen years; later became known as Algeria’s George Washington. Raised in the western reaches of the Ottoman Empire, this Arab warrior, scholar, and holy man was ultimately worn down by French scorched earth tactics. Known for humane treatment of French prisoners, Abd el-Kader’s behavior on and off the battlefield made him a forerunner of the Geneva Convention. The Emir’s bust is displayed today in the foyer of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) next to the committee’s Swiss founder, Henri Dunant. During his exile in Syria, he became a world hero after rescuing thousands of Christians from politically incited mobs in 1860. Muslims, Christians and Jews sang his praises, as did Abraham Lincoln, Queen Victoria, the Ottoman Sultan and simple soldiers. A town in Iowa still bears his name… Elkader.

WHAT: On this 10th anniversary of the Abdelkader Global Leadership Essay Prize awards, the Iowa based Abdelkader Education Project (AEP, Inc.) is bringing a much-needed positive narrative about Islam to Washington, DC. A public forum at the largest United Methodist seminary in the country will bring together Christian, Muslim and secular admirers, as well as the curious, to coincide with the 210th anniversary of the birth of Abd el-Kader (see program here).

AEP has introduced the Abdelkader story to diverse audiences over the past ten years. Starting with an annual essay contest among Iowa high schools and colleges, AEP has found receptive partners within the religious, military, diplomatic, civic leadership and academic markets, and especially in Pakistan, where Commander of the Faithful was translated into Urdu.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wesley Theological Seminary

The Rectory

4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20016

RSVP: Free & open to the public. Space is limited, registration required (click here