Editing Zouave (section)

===Early history===
The zouaves saw extensive service during the French conquest of Algeria, initially at the Mouzaia Pass action (March 1836), then at Mitidja (September 1836) and the siege of [[Constantine, Algeria|Constantine]] (1837). From 1843-44 either one or two battalions played prominent roles in each of the [[Kabylia]] campaigns.<ref>{{cite book|first=Victor|last=Demars|page=20|title=Les Zouaves Histoire|date=13 April 2023|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |isbn=9781976219313}}</ref>
[[File:Premiere messe en kabylie horace vernet.jpg|thumb|190px|Zouaves in the Kabylia region during the French conquest of Algeria]]

Recruited through direct voluntary enlistment or by transfer from other regiments of men with at least two years service, the zouaves quickly achieved the status of an elite amongst the French [[Army of Africa (France)|Army of Africa]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Stephen|last=Shann|page=13|title=French Army 1870-71. Franco-Prussian War 1 Imperial Troops|date=25 April 1991|publisher=Bloomsbury USA |isbn=1-85532-121-1}}</ref>

[[File:The Crimean War, 1854 - 1856 Q71609.jpg|thumb|A group of four zouaves of the French Army pose for the camera during the [[Crimean War]], 1854–1856.]]