Isabelle Eberhardt is a highly controversial historical character closely linked with colonial Algeria. Eberhardt was an illegitimate daughter of Russian anarchists who left Europe to become explorers in North Africa. During her journey, she disguised as a man, married an Algerian, converted to Islam, survived an assassination attempt, and got involved in French and Algerian politics. Her controversial behavior was significantly uncommon for a European woman of that period.
Hence, her already remarkable life dragged even more attention from both ordinary people and the authorities. For political reasons, Algeria became a place where people could violate the status quo regardless of their gender. Thus the colony became a land of freedom for European women. Such “violation” of values and morals caused both social and political change, and Eberhardt became a key figure in the transformation.
The reform movements conducted in both Algeria and France increased women’s involvement in political activities. Various feminist and women’s labor movements emerged and insisted on their rights. Eberhardt’s behavior had a considerable impact on the perception of women in society. Moreover, her articles and deeds addressed several racial discrimination issues towards Algerian people.
Some French citizens viewed themselves morally above the Algerian people, yet Eberhardt criticized European society and treated it similarly to the Europeans treated Algeria. It may also be possible that the assassination attempt was planned by the French authorities. Eberhardt, indeed, was not liked by French authorities as she was a “political nuisance.” Her actions questioned the core moral values and traditions of European society. Thus she was exiled by the French colonial government. Even though Eberhardt was rejected by the political system, her work had a noticeable impact on the development of both European and Algerian societies.