The Story of the "Doulaï": The First Car to Traverse the Roads of Djelfa

The "Doulaï" car, preserved at the Taharia Zawiya in Djelfa, stands as a historical artifact dating back to 1924, when Sheikh Si Abderrahmane Ben Tahar brought it from France. At a time when traditional travel methods were the norm, this iron machine was a novelty that facilitated the movement of supplies and supported the Zawiya's religious and educational missions in remote areas. The car's significance transcends its mechanical nature, as it is linked to the struggle of its founder, who supported the Mujahideen against French colonial rule. This stance led to his arrest and eventual martyrdom in Serkadji prison. Today, the weathered remains of the vehicle serve as a testament to the Sheikh's legacy and a symbol of the dawn of modernity in the Algerian desert.