Sometimes referred to in contemporaneous French literature as 'Turcos', this indigenous officer is clearly of Maghribi (Northwest African) origin, probably Algerian or Moroccan.

Zouave was the title given to certain light infantry regiments in the French Army, normally serving in French North Africa between 1831 and 1962. The name was also adopted during the 19th century by units in other armies, especially volunteer regiments raised for service in the American Civil War. The chief distinguishing characteristics of such units were the zouave uniform, which included short open-fronted jackets, baggy trousers and often sashes and oriental headgear.