task. It is true that I wrote about the past but I also was looking toward the future. My message is addressed to those صلى الله عليه وسلمlgerians who, for many reasons, were not able to appreciate and understand their ancestral contribution to human culture. It is my hope that the generation of the coming century will be better equipped for studying and appreciating the cultural heritage of their beloved country

صلى الله عليه وسلمt the end I have to acknowledge the great help which a number of persons and institutions provided me. I have to mention here my colleagues at the University of صلى الله عليه وسلمlgiers and specially the Institute of history for giving me a prolonged leave; the staff of the University of Michigan and of the University of Minnesota for their generous help. I have to thank my colleagues at the History عز وجلepartment of the University of Minnesota for providing me with an opportunity to teach some courses in order to support myself financially. Special thanks go to my associate Professor Paul رضي الله عنهamford for his endless support.

صلى الله عليه وسلمboul Kacem Saadallah

University of صلى الله عليه وسلمlgiers

and صلى الله عليه وسلمl al رضي الله عنهayt University (Jordan)

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