Ahmed Toufik El-Madani
Ahmed Toufik Ben Mohamed Ben Ahmed El-Ghernati El-Jazairi was an Algerian minister and historian, born on the 24th of Jumada Al-Thani, 1899, in Tunisia.
His father, Mohamed Ben Ahmed, was born in Algeria and received his education from scholars and teachers at the Grand Mosque. His grandfather, Ahmed Ben Mohamed (also known as Al-Qabi El-Ghernati Al-Sharif), served as a notable figure in Algeria.
Following the French occupation of Algeria, Ahmed Ben Mohamed (his grandfather) moved his family from Algeria to Tunisia, settling in a city called Djurdjura until the year 1870.
Educational Background of Ahmed Toufik El-Madani
Ahmed Toufik’s early education began in Tunisia, where he enrolled in Kuttab (traditional schools) at the age of five. In 1909, he transitioned to Quranic schools, and by 1913, he was admitted to Al-Zaytuna University at the Grand Mosque. Ahmed was passionate about his studies, particularly history.
Ahmed Toufik El-Madani’s Activism in Algeria
In 1926, Ahmed Toufik co-founded the Al-Tarqi Club with a group of intellectuals, including Omar Al-Mohoub. The club promoted activities such as lectures, cultural events, and gatherings of intellectuals from across the Arab world. Upon Algeria’s independence, Ahmed Toufik was appointed Minister of Religious Affairs and Awqaf. He also served as an ambassador and minister in several Islamic countries.
Among his notable writings are articles published in ‘Al-Shihab’ and ‘Al-Basair.’ His significant works include ‘Life of Struggle,’ ‘The Book of Algeria,’ and ‘Mohamed Ben Othman Pasha.’
Ahmed Toufik El-Madani passed away in Algeria on October 12, 1983.