Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar · Character

Achmet Zek

An Arab raider chief whose avarice outruns his judgment, he has lost the jewels, lost his lieutenant, and still holds the woman who will bring him a fortune.

major

Also known as Achmet, Zek, the Mangani Achmet Zek

First appearance: I: Belgian and Arab

As a major figure in Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar, Achmet Zek is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A notorious Arab raider who captures Werper but spares his life, eventually taking him into his confidence and plotting with him against Tarzan.

In the storyI: Belgian and ArabOpen this moment free

Achmet Zek commands a motley crew of outlaws and sells white captives into northern harems, but his real religion is the buried treasure beside the Englishman's ruined bungalow. Outwitted by an unbeliever and robbed of the gems he had already claimed in his heart, he circles south with his men to intercept Werper and reclaim what is his. His recapture of Jane in the clearing — and the ape watching from the branches — makes him the hinge between the raid on the Greystoke home and the jungle's slow, patient revenge.

See Achmet Zek in I: Belgian and Arab Book page

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Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Achmet Zek sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Human antagonists and allies
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

La’s unprecedented departure from Opar and her pursuit of Tarzan with fifty priests marks the emotional and ps…

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Relationships

Albert Werper
professional · negative
Achmet Zek is a ruthless Arab bandit leader who employs Werper as a reluctant ally in… How this plays out →
Tarzan
rivalry · negative
La
professional · negative
Jane Clayton
rivalry · negative
Albert Werper
professional · negative
Achmet Zek is a ruthless Arab bandit leader who employs Werper as a reluctant ally in… How this plays out →
Albert Werper
professional · negative
Achmet Zek is a ruthless Arab bandit leader who employs Werper as a reluctant ally in… How this plays out →
Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Jane Clayton
rivalry · negative
Jane Clayton
rivalry · negative

Albert Werper
Achmet Zek is a ruthless Arab bandit leader who employs Werper as a reluctant ally in their criminal schemes.
Tarzan
Achmet Zek is a direct enemy of Tarzan, frequently clashing with him over treasure and territory.
La
Achmet Zek interacts with La primarily as a fellow schemer, using her for access to Opar's treasures.
Jane Clayton
Achmet Zek captures and holds Jane as a hostage, using her to manipulate Tarzan.
Albert Werper
Achmet Zek is a ruthless Arab bandit leader who employs Werper as a reluctant ally in their criminal schemes.
Albert Werper
Achmet Zek is a ruthless Arab bandit leader who employs Werper as a reluctant ally in their criminal schemes.
Tarzan
Achmet Zek is a direct enemy of Tarzan, frequently clashing with him over treasure and territory.
Tarzan
Achmet Zek is a direct enemy of Tarzan, frequently clashing with him over treasure and territory.
Jane Clayton
Achmet Zek captures and holds Jane as a hostage, using her to manipulate Tarzan.
Jane Clayton
Achmet Zek captures and holds Jane as a hostage, using her to manipulate Tarzan.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Achmet Zek in I: Belgian and Arab

In the story

Achmet Zek appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Belgian and Arab
A notorious Arab raider who captures Werper but spares his life, eventually taking him into his confidence and plotting with him against Tarzan.
On the Road to Opar
Receives a letter from Werper and rides southward toward the Greystoke farm with his followers.
Prophecy and Fulfillment
Mentioned as Werper's master, whom Werper fears more than the unknown dangers.
VI: The Arab Raid
Leads the Arab raid, orders the woman taken alive, shoots Mugambi, and plunders the estate.
X: Achmet Zek Sees the Jewels
The Arab chief awaits Werper's return, discovers the jewels in a mirror reflection, attempts to murder Werper for the treasure, and then leads a pursuit when Werper escapes.
The Flight of Werper
Achmet Zek is the Arab raider pursued by Abdul Mourak; his minions search for Werper, and he discovers Werper's betrayal.
Tarzan Again Leads the Mangani
Leads the search for Werper, recaptures Jane Clayton, and grows increasingly furious over the loss of the jewels.
The Deadly Peril of Jane Clayton
Orders his lieutenants to prepare a force to retrieve the buried fortune from the Englishman's douar.
The Fight for the Treasure
Leads the raid on the Abyssinians, pursues Werper, and engages in a duel with him in the forest.
XIX: Jane Clayton and the Beasts of the Jungle
Pursues Frecoult along the trail and is shot and killed by Werper.
XX: Jane Clayton Again a Prisoner
Killed by Werper; his body is left behind as Werper and Jane flee.
The Flight to the Jungle
Not directly present; his lieutenant Mohammed Beyd is killed.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Achmet Zek unlock in the free preview.

See Achmet Zek in I: Belgian and Arab