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The Ethnology Notebooks. 2026. № 4 (190), 1267—1276

UDK 94:325.3:342.4](44):342.534(65)]”18″:303.446.4

DOI https://doi.org/10.15407/

  • Received: 29.06.2026
  • Accepted: 21.07.2026
  • Published: ??.??.2026

DEPUTY PHILIPPE GRENIER (1896—1898): REASONS OF POLITICAL FIASCO

SYPKO Bogdana

  • ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3136-9340
  • Candidate of History, docent,
  • The Ivan Franko National University of Lviv,
  • Department of Modern World History,
  • 1, Universytetska str., 79000, Lviv, Ukraine,
  • Contacts: е-mail: bogdanasypko@gmail.com

Abstract. Introduction. Philippe Grenier was an extraordinary figure in French history. Born into the respected family of a high-ranking officer of the Second Empire and the daughter of a notary in Pontarlier — the French absinthe capital, he became famous as the first Muslim deputy of Republic.

Problem Statement. During his visit to Algeria in 1890, he became interested in two things : the rapid pauperization of the indigenous population would determine his socialist views and philanthropic activities, and Islam would become the basis of his worldview.

Purpose of this article is to find out based on parliamentary documents and materials from the French press of the time, how a Muslim neophyte managed to gain the support of the electorate in a conservative Catholic district, and why his term as a member of Parliament lasted only 17 months.

Methods. The general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as special scientific comparative-historical and chronological methods are used in the work.

Results. Ph. Grenier managed to win the election thanks to the withdrawal of M. Ordiner’s candidacy, the support of his patients and the sense of humor of Pontarlier’s citizens. His mandate became a furor for French journalists due to his religion and extravagant clothing. We can single out three key areas of Grenier’s efforts: the protection of socially vulnerable segments of the population, the naturalization of Muslims in Algeria and Tunisia, and the implementation of military reform. The deputies only verbally accepted the proposals of their Muslim colleague. Even the key bill of March 6, 1897 on national defense, which, in the face of the threat of the Triple Alliance, proposed the formation of new military units among the indigènes with funds received from taxes on alcohol and large property, remained on paper.

Conclusion. Ignoring the interests of his constituents, who made money from alcohol production, in favor of ephemeral plans to develop French power proved fatal for the first Muslim deputy.

Keywords: Algeria, military doctrine, Islam, colonial policy, National Assembly, neophyte, Philippe Grenier, France, 19th century.

REFERENCES

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