Mkrekeb Abrane Ben Youssef — Fedayee Martyr of Blida
Mkrekeb Abrane Ben Youssef was born in Blida on 9 July 1935. A woodworking laborer who memorized the Quran, he joined the independence struggle as a fedayee and was executed by guillotine on 3 March 1958 in Algiers.
15 November 2025
Mkrekeb Abrane Ben Youssef was born on 9 July 1935 in Blida to Mohamed and Zahra bint Abdelkader. He resided on Chrea Road, Suleiman Chaachou Street, and worked as a woodworking laborer.
Early Life
Though denied formal schooling, Mkrekeb devoted himself to Quranic education and memorized the holy text in full. This religious foundation shaped his strong moral convictions and his unwavering sense of justice in the face of colonial oppression.
The Fedayee
He joined the independence struggle as a fedayee — a resistance fighter who carried out urban operations — under the leadership of Martyr Shambit Mohamed. He participated in multiple operations targeting the colonial system in and around Blida.
Following a fedayee operation in Bab El Rahba that resulted in the death of an informant, he was arrested on 3 July 1956 in Blida. He was subsequently transferred to Serkadji Prison in Algiers.
Execution
After a military tribunal, Mkrekeb Abrane Ben Youssef was condemned to death and executed by guillotine on 3 March 1958 at 3:10 a.m. — just 22 years old.
Legacy
Following independence, a road to Chiffa Les Rosiers was named in his honor, recognizing the sacrifice of a young man of faith who gave his life for Algeria's freedom.