Mustapha Boukabous Bey

Mustapha Boukabous, nicknamed 'Boukabous' ('Man of the Pistol') for his peerless marksman skills on horseback, served as Bey of the Western Beylik based in Oran. He continued the civic development initiated by Mohamed El Kebir, reinforcing the fortifications of Mers El Kébir and promoting cross-border commerce with the Sahara and Morocco.

A patron of popular poets and equestrian masters, Boukabous attempted to assert regional autonomy and reduce burdensome tax tributes to the central authority in Algiers. His courageous stand made him an enduring folk hero across the Oranie region, celebrated in western Algerian epic ballads.