Ali la Pointe: the story of the hero of the Battle of Algiers
Share
Who was Ali la Pointe, really?
Behind the legendary nickname is Ali Ammar, a child of misery who became the symbol of Algerian resistance.
If you have seen Gillo Pontecorvo's masterpiece, The Battle of Algiers, you know the myth. But the historical reality is even more moving.
Wearing the legacy of Ali la Pointe
Our "One hero: the people" collection pays tribute to Ali la Pointe and the Casbah, with designs hand-drawn by a painter: T-shirt, hoodie and waterproof jacket.
1. From the street to revolt: the youth of Ali Ammar
Born on 14 May 1930 in Miliana, Ali Ammar grew up in extreme poverty.
Why is he called Ali la Pointe? The nickname comes from the district where he spent part of his youth, Pointe-Pescade (now Raïs Hamidou), or, according to other sources, from the "Point du Jour" district in Miliana.
A turbulent past
Far from the image of the intellectual political activist, Ali started out in life as:
- A bricklayer.
- An amateur boxer.
- A petty criminal (pimping, gambling).
Everything changed in prison, at Barberousse. Witnessing repression and mixing with nationalist activists, he became aware of colonial injustice. His anger turned into a cause.
2. Recruited by the FLN: meeting Yacef Saadi
When he left prison, Ali wanted to fight. He went to the Casbah of Algiers to join the FLN (National Liberation Front).
His recruitment was not simple. The FLN leadership distrusted this hot-blooded "bad boy". It was Yacef Saadi, head of the Autonomous Zone of Algiers (ZAA), who decided to give him a chance, on one condition: Ali had to prove his loyalty and his ability to follow orders.
Did you know?
To test Ali, the FLN asked him to shoot a policeman. The weapon he was given was not loaded. Ali tried to fire, proving his courage, then nearly turned on his recruiters for giving him an empty gun. This fiery temperament convinced Yacef Saadi to make him his right-hand man.
3. Cleaning up the Casbah and the Battle of Algiers
Once inside the organisation, Ali la Pointe became a formidable figure. His first mission was not against the French but against the local underworld. The FLN wanted to clean up the Casbah to secure the population: no more gambling, drugs or prostitution. Ali used his old networks and his strength to impose revolutionary order.
Facing Massu's paratroopers
In 1957, the Battle of Algiers was raging. General Massu and his paratroopers moved into the city to dismantle the FLN network.
Ali la Pointe became the most wanted man in Algiers. Elusive, he slipped through the alleys of the Casbah, organising attacks and protecting the FLN leaders. He embodied urban resistance in its purest form.
4. 8 October 1957: the ultimate sacrifice
The end of Ali la Pointe is one of the most tragic episodes of the Algerian War. Tracked down through intelligence obtained under torture, Ali's hideout was located at 5 rue des Abderrames in the Casbah.
He was hiding with three companions in the struggle:
- Hassiba Ben Bouali (a major female figure of the revolution).
- Petit Omar (Yacef Saadi's nephew, only 12 years old).
- Mahmoud Bouhamidi.
The paratroopers surrounded the house and ordered them to surrender. Ali refused. The French command then decided to place explosive charges.
The explosion was devastating. It not only killed the four resistance fighters but also brought down several nearby houses, killing many Algerian civilians.
5. FAQ: the most common questions about Ali la Pointe
What was Ali la Pointe's real name?
His real name was Ali Ammar.
Where is Ali la Pointe buried?
After independence, his remains were moved to El Kettar cemetery in Algiers, where he rests alongside other martyrs.
How old was Ali la Pointe when he died?
He died at the age of 27.
Who played Ali la Pointe in the film?
In the film The Battle of Algiers (1966), he is played by Brahim Haggiag, a farmer with no acting experience, chosen by the director for his intense gaze and physical resemblance.
6. Cultural and historical legacy
Today, Ali la Pointe is more than a martyr: he is an icon of Algerian and international popular culture. The Bologhine stadium once bore his name (before being renamed Omar Hamadi), and songs by supporters of Mouloudia of Algiers (MCA) often mention him, as Ali was a fervent supporter of the club.
🎬 Essential viewing: the film "The Battle of Algiers"
If you want to picture what Ali's life was like, Gillo Pontecorvo's film is essential. Ranked among the best political films in history, it is even used in military academies to study urban guerrilla warfare.
Why watch it? For its near-documentary realism and Brahim Haggiag's unforgettable performance.
Where to find it? The film is often available on YouTube or on some streaming platforms.
📚 Going further (recommended reading)
To understand the wider context, we recommend the memoirs of Yacef Saadi, titled "La Bataille d'Alger", which served as the basis for the film.
Conclusion: why we must never forget
The story of Ali la Pointe reminds us that heroes are not born perfect. It is the story of a man who channelled his inner violence to serve the freedom of his people. To visit the Casbah of Algiers today is to walk in his footsteps. At 5 rue des Abderrames, a commemorative plaque recalls the sacrifice of Ali, Hassiba, Omar and Mahmoud, and you can also visit his house, which has been turned into a museum.
And you?
Have you ever visited the Casbah or seen the film? Tell us in the comments what this historical figure means to you.