logo The Abdelkader Education Project An educational journey that promotes understanding between the Western world and the Islamic world Connects continents, cultures, centuries
In 1846, the founders of an Iowa community honored Abdelkader by naming their town Elkader.
The Emir Abdelkader A 19th century hero with a message for the 21st century humanitarian, statesman, warrior, scholar, and holy man admired by Muslims and non-muslims across nationalities, religions, and social classes treatment of prisoners was Koranically correct forerunner of the Geneva Convention respected by contemporary world leaders for his ethical leadership and just decisions
The Emir s World
Why Study the life of Abdelkader? To serve as a role model for Muslims. As a pious and deeply conservative Muslim, his life of true jihad can inspire Muslims in the US and around the world to think differently about the meaning of jihad. To serve as an heroic figure for all people today. His exemplary life of moral courage, compassion, self-restraint, intellectual accomplishment and chivalry in war can inspire, regardless of nationality or religion. To provide an alternative narrative of Islamic ethics in war and peace. He represents the little-heard good news about Islam. contributed by John W. Kiser, author Commander of the Faithful
Abdelkader Education Project 1984 - Sister Cities relationship established, Elkader, Iowa and Mascara, Algeria 2008 - Elkader, Iowa, book launch of Commander of the Faithful by John Kiser 2009 - Abdelkader Essay Contest 2010 - Abdelkader Education Project Today - Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize
Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize What do these students and Abraham Lincoln have in common?
President Lincoln and students participating in the Abdelkader Education Project (AEP) consider Abdelkader a hero.
President Abraham Lincoln admired the moral courage of this Muslim hero respected the leadership of this Algerian freedom fighter sent State gift to this statesman, Abdelkader
Emir Abdelkader Man of civility, compassion, zest for learning, moral courage 19th-century Muslim scholar, soldier, statesman and humanitarian Admired by President Lincoln, Queen Victoria and Pope Pius IX, French generals and former prisoners, Muslims and non-muslims Upon his death in 1883, The New York Times eulogized, He was one of the few great men of the century.
Related Online Resources Cool Tools for Hot Topics Google Earth Tour Who Was Abdelkader? Document-based Questions Embodying The Nation: George Washington, Abdelkader, Gandhi Professional Development Workshops Tools for Teaching about the Middle East and Islam
Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize Opportunity Students discover and explore the remarkable qualities of Abdelkader through reading and writing about him. Learn about the Emir and the Essay Contest.
It starts with reading... reading about an incredible man. Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abdelkader by John W. Kiser
The educational journey continues with writing an essay. Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize
Then your opportunity begins... Check Abdelkader Education Project website Check the procedure for participating in the Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize Check with a teacher or mentor Check the AEP website for updates Submit your entry form and essay online anytime before March 15, 2013 and finally...
Celebrate! Join with project sponsors and participants in honoring prize winners at the next AEP Forum in Elkader, Iowa, the town named after The Emir Abdelkader!
Abdelkader Education Project Supporters and Friends Algerian Embassy (DC) Drake University-The Comparison Project (IA) Humanities Iowa (IA) International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (DC) Islamic Networks Group-ING (CA) Merrimack College Center for Jewish Christian Muslim Relations (MA) Oneblue.org (DC) Religions for Peace (NY) The Principal Financial Group (IA) University of Virginia Center for Advanced Studies in Culture (VA) Wesley Theological Seminary (DC) Friends of Abdelkader (US)
How can you get involved? Visit the Abdelkader Education Project website Friend AEP on Facebook Follow AEP on Twitter Sign up for AEP News Bulletin Encourage participation in the essay contest Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize Become an AEP Supporter and Friend Contact us at abdelkaderproject@gmail.com
Class of 1915, Elkader (Iowa) High School honored Emir Abdelkader Such is the history of the man for whom our town is named. A scholar, a philosopher, a lover of liberty; a champion of his religion, a born leader of men, a great soldier; a capable administrator, a persuasive orator; a chivalrous opponent; the selection was well made, and with those pioneers of seventy years ago, we do honor The Shiek.
The form of worship may change, but not the Master, for the God of the Christians is also ours. We are only different in the way we address ourselves to Him. - Emir Abdelkader Thank You!