Amazigh, the indigenous people of North Africa spread over Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. . Their roots trace back thousands of years, making them one of the oldest continuous cultures in the region. Nowadays, Amazigh people has transmitted their culture from generation to generations, keeping their own traditions, rituals and official language. Additionally, Amazigh people truly have an amazing history and culture, rich, resilient, and deeply played an interesting role in developing the Moroccan identity and culture.
The word Amazigh translates to “free people” in the Amazigh language. However, the word of the expression “Berber”, as a nick name for the Amazigh people actually introduced by the Romans and comes from the word meaning “barbarian.” However, This word comes controversial and many of the Amazigh people reject it.
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Historical Background:
Amazigh were already living in Morocco before the Arab-Islamic invasions. Their culture thrived under the reigns of several North African and Iberian Peninsula kingdoms and empires, including those of the Mauretani, the Numidians, and subsequently the Almoravids, Almohads, and Marinids. Many of these rulers had Amazigh ancestry.
After the Arab-Muslim invasions of the seventh century introduced Islam to the area, the Amazigh people came to accept it. Arabization, which began with this process, had an impact on their language, identity, and political representation for a long time. Additionally, Today Amazigh and Arab people come together to live in peaceful enviroment with different identity and culture, but same religion. Morocco itinerary 10 days
Amazigh Culture: A Living Heritage of North Africa:
The Amazigh people have deep roots in the mountainous, desert, and plain regions of Morocco and the adjacent nations, and their culture is one of the most ancient and rich in North Africa. It stands as a dynamic synthesis of indigenous practices, spiritual beliefs, customs and traditions.
Language & Dialets:
The Riff people of northern Morocco speak Tariffit, the second dialect of the Tamazight language, while the third dialect is Central Tamazight, which is spoken by many people in the Middle Atlas, including those in the Khnifra, Mrirt, Azilal, and other areas. Finally, there's Tachlhit, a distinct dialet spoken by the majority of the southern and High Atlas areas.
Clothing and Symbolism:
The Amazigh people are uniquely known for their colorful and rich traditional clothing. Symbolic jewelry, headscarves, and long, flowing gowns are common accessories for women. However, men wear raditional Djalaba as most people traditional clothing.
Furthermore, a Moroccan woman with a tattoo on her knee. Tribal motifs were occasionally incorporated into the design with the intention of safeguarding the wearer from injury or serving as a status symbol. The Amazigh people maintain them as a symbol of their culture.
· Imichil Marriage Festival:
The Amazigh are famous for their unique Festivals with rich cultures, traditions and lovely Amazigh Music.let’s take, for instance, Mariage Festival in the town of Imilchil is a unqiue festival known as Agdoud N’ Oulmgheeni, Almost 24,000 people from the Middle Atlas Mountains and other villages beloginning to the same trip which is Ait Hdiddou meet in the Festival of Imilchil which is for them a sepcail occaision. During this joyful festival, where girls different villages dress up with a lovely Amazigh dress, wear Jewelry rings and bracelet to become more attractive to man.
Typically, a man is get assistance from his friends in choosing the right gril overcooming any feeling of shyness. Upon receiving gesture a girl may rise her hand if she is in agreement and accept him. However, if not she release her hand which shows rejection.
If everyone accepts, the happy couple will gather their family in a tent to ask each other questions and have a heart-to-heart over hot mint tea. In the future, the couple's hometown will play a more central role in the marriage arrangements.
· Yennayer:
The word or expression “Yennayer” is derived from “Yan” (one) and “Ayyur” (month) in Tamazight, which translates to “first month.”
Yennayer is the Amazigh New Year that the majority of Berber tribes and villages throughout the world celebrate it. The 13th and 14th of January are always the dates of the celebration. As a significant ceremony that presents the Amazigh culture and identity, the Amazigh get ready for the New Year by preparing parties, Amazigh music, creating a unique festival with different Amazigh lifestyles, presenting the Amazigh identity in a better way. Visitors can also enjoy this unique festival and engage in the rich Amazigh culture.
Amazigh Music & Dance:
· Ahouach ( Ahiddous): Ahouach, occasionally referred to as Ahiddous, derives its name from its geographical context; for instance, people of the High Atlas Mountains and Southern Morocco name it as Ahidous. However, In the Middle Atlas Mountains, it is referred to as Ahouach, a distinctive Berber dance accompanied by music, where men and women congregate in a circle to perform Ahouch together. It is one of the most emblematic symbols of Amazigh culture, encompassing poetry, music, and rhythm.
· Reggada:
It is a known traditional dance in the eastern region of Morocco, close to the Algerian borders, mostly carried out by men and women, symbolizing the Amazigh culture. It is commonly used in celebrations including festivals, weddings, and ceremonies. where Amazigh people come together to enjoy the stunning rhythm and music, fully immersing themselves in the vibrant Amazigh cultural heritage.
Reggada is a unique dance performance that has its origins in the ancient Amazigh war rituals, during which warriors would either celebrate their victories or prepare for battle. It developed into a cultural performance that was utilized at public gatherings, festivals, and ceremonies over time.
Final throught:
The Amazigh aren't just relics from a long time ago; they are a proud society that shapes the present and future of North Africa. The Amazigh story is one of survival, beauty, and choices. It can be seen in their language, art, and strong will. As native people who live in the Maghreb, they are an important link to the area's ancient soul and a voice for cultural variety in the modern world.
