The Beni Immel are located mainly in
Timezrit District, which was historically part of their land. They mainly practiced agriculture and trade, and were noted to be relatively rich. They produced a wide variety of things, such as
cereals,
olive oil,
fruits (especially
grapes),
honey, and they also practiced
animal husbandry. They bordered the
Soummam River around which they built
watermills to produce
flour. In the 6th century, the town of
Icosium was briefly captured by some Berber-Numidian tribes, some of which were the ancestors of the Ath Immel. The Beni Immel paid tribute/taxes to the
Beylik of Constantine, although what the payment was, or how much of it was paid isn't known. As an isolated tribe inside the Kabyle mountains, other than paying tribute, they remained autonomous from the central government. According to French estimates, they possessed about 800 troops, the majority of whom were infantry. In 1850, French
Brigadier general Joseph Napoléon Paul de Barral (no relation to
Napoleon Bonparte) attempted to pacify the Beni Immel along with other local tribes, such as the Beni Iramel. In the ensuing battle, known as the
Battle of Amsiouene, the Beni Iramel, and Beni Immel successfully killed Joseph Napoléon, and routed his unit. In 1851
Sherif Boubaghla, a famous leader of local resistance was pursued by the French. He hid among the Beni Immel, and encouraged them to put up a resistance against the advancing French army. A few days later, when the French army arrived and demanded the Beni Immel to give Boubaghla over to them, they refused and put up a resistance. In the ensuing battle, which lasted for over 4 days, much longer than what the French army initially expected, the French secured the surrender of the Beni Immel tribe. The French were surprised at the "vigorous resistance" the Beni Immel put up. == References ==