Source
<p>Moyd, Michelle: Askari , in: 1914-1918-online. International Encyclopedia of the First World War, ed. by Ute Daniel, Peter Gatrell, Oliver Janz, Heather Jones, Jennifer Keene, Alan Kramer, and Bill Nasson, issued by Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 2015-03-16. DOI: <a class="external text" href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15463/ie1418.10570">10.15463/ie1418.10570</a>.</p>
Language
English
Contributor(s)
Critical Commentary
<p>"<i>Askari</i> is a word that means “soldier” or “police” in Kiswahili, Arabic, Turkish and a number of other languages. Colonial powers in many parts of eastern, central and southern Africa used the term widely to refer to the African soldiers who fought in their armies in Africa. During World War I, <i>askari </i>of the German East African colonial army, the <i>Schutztruppe</i>, gained a reputation as highly effective and dedicated troops. Following Germany’s defeat, a “loyal <i>askari</i>” myth developed that celebrated their service to Germany, while ignoring the negative effects of colonial rule on the peoples of German East Africa."</p><p>– Michelle R. Moyd</p><p>https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/askari</p>