caïds

Caïds (singular caïd) is a title of Arabic origin used in North Africa to denote a local leader or chief. The term derives from the Arabic qaʾīd, meaning leader or guide. In French and English-language sources, the spelling caïd appears with the diaeresis on the i.

Under the Ottoman-Beylik political organization in the Maghreb, a caïd governed a daïra (district) within a province and acted as the liaison between central authorities and rural communities. The caïd often held administrative and judicial powers, supervised taxation, maintained order, and organized local security teams, sometimes with the support of local tribes. Authority flowed from the central ruler (sultan, bey) and was exercised with local customary practices.

During French colonial rule, the role of caïds was institutionalized as part of indirect rule. The French appointed caïds to oversee districts, villages, and tribes, collecting taxes and enforcing colonial policies while remaining subject to the colonial administration. The system aimed to leverage traditional authority to control rural areas with limited direct administration.

In present-day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the term caïd remains in use as a traditional or ceremonial title in some rural areas. In these contexts, caïds may be appointed or elected by local communities to coordinate civil affairs, security, development projects, and coordination with national authorities. The title is less uniform than during the colonial era and varies by country and region.