Culture History Ethics Leadership Global

2011-2012 Abdelkader Essay Contest

Emir Abdelkader was a 19th century Arab Muslimhero admired by President Abraham Lincoln,Queen Victoria, Pope Pius IX,Sir Richard Burton, and countless Muslims for his moral courage, leadership,and life-longlearning. In 1846, the founders of an Iowa community honored him by naming their town Elkader.Today, Emir Abdelkader is rememberedas an esteemed humanitarian,military leader, and religious scholar who respected all cultures and faiths. Upon his death in 1883, The New York Times eulogized, “The nobility of his character won him the admiration of the world…He was one of the few great men of the century.”

Ideal for AP, TAG, and independent study students, the contest relates to global civic education, social studies, world history, English, and Human Geography with focus on culture, civility and leadership.

The contestpresents knowledgeneeded to excel in today’s global environment as related to 21st Century Skills:

  • Learn why an Iowa town was named after an Arab Muslim freedom fighter.
  • Evaluate the significance of Emir Abdelkader’s life and his struggles during peace, war, imprisonment, and exile as applied to today’s world.
  • Combine history and cultural understanding while supporting positive moral and social skills.
  • Utilize analytical, innovative and resourceful thinking beyond the facts.

Essay Scholarship Awards(With Support from Principal Financial Group)

1st Place $1,000(plus Mentor $300)2nd Place $8003rd Place $500

Essay Eligibility…The contest is open to Iowahigh school juniors and seniors.Each participant must designate a teacher/mentor at their school as essay “coach”.

Essay Requirements…

1)Submit entry form (below) before November 30, 2011 to enter the Abdelkader Essay Contest.

2)Read Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd el-Kader (1808-1883)by John W. Kiser.Learn more about the book and author at

3)Write a 1500 - 2000 word essay addressing the following questions:

a) Why does Emir Abdelkader’s story and legacy deserve remembering today?

b) What stands out in Emir Abdelkader’s life that is relevant to you?

c) What do you think of Abdelkader’s education compared to your own?

4)Final essays must be e-mailed before March 15, 2012to .

Learn more at

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2011-2012 Abdelkader Essay Contest Entry Form

Student Name:

E-mail Address: Grade: 11 or 12

School & Address:

Teacher/Mentor at same school:

E-mail: Phone

E-mail this entry formbefore November 30, 2011 to:

082311