Zouave

Origin of: Zouave

Zouave

French light infantry soldier first recruited in 1831 from the Zouaoua or Zwawa, Berber tribesmen that inhabited the Kabyli mountain range in Algeria. Later, they were recruited from French colonies throughout North Africa. They served with distinction in the Crimea, the Franco-Prussian War and both world wars. They were disbanded in 1962 after the French North African colonies gained independence.