"Azul" - that's how you say hello in the Amazigh language, the indigenous language of Morocco. You might have heard Morocco described as an "Arab country," but the truth is much more interesting! As someone who has traveled across Morocco's diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to remote Saharan villages, I've discovered that our identity is beautifully complex.
Today, I want to share what I've learned about the Amazigh people of Morocco during my journeys through the Saharan regions and ancient villages of my homeland.
The Ancient Roots: Understanding Amazigh DNA and Origins
Did you know that around one in four people in Morocco speak the ancient Amazigh language? And it's completely different from Arabic! The first time I heard Amazigh spoken in a remote village in the Atlas Mountains, I was fascinated by its unique sounds and rhythm.
But to truly understand who the Amazigh people of Morocco are, we need to look at something even more fundamental - their ancient DNA.
From what scientists have discovered, about 30% of the average Moroccan's ancestry comes from people called "Iberomarusians" - one of the first groups to live in North Africa. These ancient people lived during a time when the Sahara Desert was actually green! Can you imagine that? When I stand in the dry, sandy Sahara today, it's hard to picture it as a lush, green landscape.
This Iberomarusian ancestry is why North Africans are genetically unique. But around 7,000 years ago, something important happened - the climate began changing, and people from the Near East who brought farming techniques to Europe also migrated into Morocco. These early European farmers mixed with the Iberomarusians, creating what essentially makes up both the Amazigh genome and that of the average Moroccan.
This makes me wonder - when people ask if Moroccans are Arab or Amazigh, the answer isn't as simple as it seems!
My Journey to Discover Authentic Amazigh Culture
Last year, I decided to leave the familiar streets of Casablanca and travel south to Marrakech, where I met with a renowned linguist who studies the Amazigh language.
The expert explained something fascinating - while there are several Amazigh dialects, the Tuareg Amazigh used in the Sahara is considered the "purest" form. Not because it's the oldest, but because it has remained isolated from outside influences, far from the northern coast and deep in the Saharan landscape.
This conversation convinced me that to truly understand the Amazigh people of Morocco, I needed to journey into the Sahara myself. So I packed my bags and set off on an adventure that would change how I see my own country.
Traveling to Tiznit: Where Amazigh Heritage Lives On
My journey took me to Tiznit, a city that fascinated me even before visiting. Research shows that the Amazigh people living in this region have the highest percentage of that ancient Iberomarusian ancestry I mentioned earlier - up to 45%! Tiznit was historically known for its silver jewelry crafting and, until recently, had a significant Jewish community as well.
When I arrived in Tiznit, I was immediately drawn to its blue water source in the center of town. A local shared a beautiful story about how the city came to be: Once, a lady called Lalla Nia was passing through with her dog during a time when Tiznit didn't exist - it was just a passage for caravans traveling between north and south. She was hungry and thirsty, and her dog started digging in the ground, discovering this precious water source. Since water is so vital in desert regions, people began settling around it, and gradually the city was formed.
I love how this story connects to the Amazigh flag itself - the blue stripe represents water and the yellow represents the desert, showing how important water is to people who have such a deep connection to the Saharan landscape.
The Heart of the Sahara: Meeting the Saharawi People
From Tiznit, I continued my journey deeper into the desert. By chance, I met a man with extensive knowledge of the Sahara who offered to guide me. "How did you find me? You are magic," he said, laughing. "That's life, destiny!" These kinds of unexpected meetings make traveling in Morocco so special.
With my new guide Yasin, a Saharawi man who has lived and breathed the desert his entire life, we left Tiznit for Guelmim, known as "the mouth of the Sahara." The landscape changed dramatically - from mountainous rocky terrain to the vast opening of the Sahara Desert.
We stopped at a souk (market) that's been operating for about 75 years. This is where people exchange goods and services, and you can hear both Arabic and Amazigh languages being spoken. It's truly a mixed territory. I remember picking up some camel meat and vegetables to cook on a grill - a taste of authentic desert cuisine!
The Arab Identity in the Saharan Region
One of the most interesting discoveries during my journey was understanding the complex identity of the people living in the Sahara.
The Saharawi Arabs who inhabit Morocco's Sahara region today are highly adapted to this harsh landscape, and their origins can be traced back to Arabia in the 7th century. With the expansion of Islam, hundreds of Arabian tribes migrated into North Africa. This is why most North Africans identify with this Arab identity - linguistically, they speak Arabic, and religiously, the overwhelming majority are Muslim.
But here's where it gets really interesting. Genetic studies tell a different story. Even in communities like the Saharawi themselves, Arab ancestry only reaches around 15% when detected. This means that despite having an Arab identity, genetically, the people of this North African region are still inherently linked to the indigenous people who lived during the "Green Sahara" period.
I found this revelation fascinating. It shows that our identity as Moroccans is much more layered than many realize.
Ancient History Written in Stone
During my journey, I visited the oasis city of Amtoudi, located near the border of Souss and Guelmim regions. The city is protected by its unique geography and built around a natural oasis.
What amazed me was discovering Agadir Isa, a structure dating back over 800 years, with nearby rock inscriptions that are more than 10,000 years old! These ancient markings offer glimpses into the enigmatic history of the Moroccan people.
The deeper I went into these unexplored regions, the more I realized how much there is still to learn about Morocco's past. We should remember that Morocco has the oldest Homo sapiens fossil, the Jebel Irhoud skull, which dates back over 300,000 years! Walking among these ancient sites, I felt a powerful connection to the countless generations who had lived in these lands before me.
Modern Amazigh Life: Community and Culture
To truly understand the Amazigh people of Morocco today, I knew I needed to see how their culture lives on in modern villages and towns.
So I headed to Agadir, the largest Amazigh-speaking city in Morocco. After being devastated by a massive earthquake in the 1960s that destroyed much of its ancient architecture, the city rebuilt. Today, I visited the Medina, which is a reconstruction showing how the regional architecture would have looked originally.
I also had the opportunity to visit the small city of Hielb Baka, where I met an inspiring woman named Malika Asamat. She started a foundation called Moral Compass with her family to help address the challenging situation facing women in the village and to improve children's access to education. People like Malika remind me of the strong community spirit that exists throughout Morocco.
Music and Art: Keeping Amazigh Heritage Alive
In Agadir, I met two remarkable musicians, Sara and Ismail, who create content on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. They take old Amazigh songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and rearrange them to appeal to younger generations.
Sara explained their mission: "The role is to make it simple, to make the lyrics understandable so we have a bigger audience and to revive those songs through our music."
Their perspective on Moroccan identity deeply resonated with me. As Sara put it, "Morocco is a melting pot with so many cultures. We need to embrace our identity through all this diversity and connect with our ancestors. I think there was definitely a disconnection through time in Morocco. We're not here to blame anyone, but we need to try to find answers to our questions to understand ourselves better."
I love her response to those who think questioning one's identity creates division: "I absolutely disagree. I think asking questions will lead to unity, and that's what we want."
Understanding Morocco's Diverse Identity
After all my travels and conversations across the country, I've come to understand that Moroccan society isn't a monolith. We can't label it as just one thing or another. While some isolated villages might maintain distinct identities, in many larger communities, there's a beautiful diversity of identity where people see themselves as brothers and sisters without much distinction.
What's important is that these people have been coexisting for hundreds of years. They see themselves as Amazigh but also as Moroccans. This shared identity, despite our different backgrounds, is what makes our country so special.
As Sara beautifully expressed, "The answer is not only DNA. The answer is also the soul identity - who we are when we are in this land. Personally, when I'm in this land, I feel deeply connected. You can do my DNA right now - I know I'm from here. I feel it, and I know it, and I think we need to embrace that because that's who we are."
My Reflections: What the Amazigh Journey Taught Me
Traveling across Morocco to learn about the Amazigh people of Morocco has given me a deeper appreciation for my country's complex heritage. The ancient Iberomarusian ancestry that flows through our veins, the beautiful Amazigh language that has survived for thousands of years, and the rich cultural traditions that continue to thrive - all of these elements make up the mosaic of Moroccan identity.
What I've learned most is that when we explore human origins, we're not just learning about our neighbors but inherently learning about ourselves. There is a shared human connection that binds us all together.
Travel Tips for Exploring Amazigh Culture
If you're planning to explore Morocco's Amazigh heritage, here are some practical tips from my experience:
- Learn a few Amazigh phrases: Start with "Azul" (hello) - locals will appreciate your effort!
- Visit Tiznit: This city has strong Amazigh roots and beautiful silver craftsmanship.
- Explore the souks: Markets like the one in Guelmim have been centers of Amazigh commerce for generations.
- Respect local customs: When visiting small villages, dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos.
- Try traditional food: Camel meat might sound unusual, but it's delicious when prepared the traditional way!
- Support local artisans: Buy directly from Amazigh craftspeople to help preserve traditional skills.
- Visit Agadir: As the largest Amazigh-speaking city, it offers a blend of modern and traditional culture.
Have you visited any Amazigh communities in Morocco? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below!
And if you're planning a trip to explore Morocco's indigenous heritage, feel free to ask questions - I'm always happy to share more travel tips from my journeys across this beautiful country.
Azul until next time!