What are the Imazighen?

The Imazighen or Berbers (also called Amazigh people, "free men", singular Amazigh) are an ethnic group indigenous to Northwest Africa, speaking the Amazigh languages. In actuality, Amazigh is a generic name given to numerous heterogeneous ethnic groups that share similar cultural, political, and economic practices. It is not a term originated by the group itself. Among the amazigh language, the Tashelhit or Tachelhit Berber is spoken in the High Atlas, the Anti Atlas, the Souss plains, and in major cities of Morocco (Casablanca, Rabat). It has some 8-9 million speakers, which makes it the world’s largest Berber language. Berber Introduction

THE CHLEUH POEPLE

The Chleuh Berbers live in the western High Atlas and the Anti Atlas Mountains of southwestern Morocco. They also live in the plains and valleys which lie between them. Most parts of the mountains are well watered, and between November and May the region is blanketed in snow. Vegetation is almost non-existent along the southern slopes. But wherever they live, a majority of the Chleuh raise crops and livestock. (The varieties and breeds depend on local conditions of the climate and soil.) The people live in villages of all sizes, using the limited soil and water resources with care. They build small dams and cultivate terraces where cereals and other crops are grown. No other group in Morocco starting from tribal origins has achieved as much as the Chleuh. A high degree of unity is the key to their success. This unity extends beyond tribal boundaries to encompass all who speak Tachelhit, their native language. Most of the Chleuh are farmers and shepherds. On the plots of ground that are not regularly irrigated, they grow barley and sometimes rye. On the lower slopes, they herd sheep and goats. Surplus farm and animal products are sold at weekly markets. In the villages, the Berber way of life has remained unchanged over the centuries. Most Chleuh villages contain between 50 and 500 people. They typically live in two-story, mud brick homes with flat roofs. In the more rugged mountain areas they live in sturdy goat skin tents. Urban men and women wear western clothing, sometimes with long hooded robes, or jellabas, over them. Men wear turbans, or skull caps, called tagiyas, and women wear veils or head scarves. Rural women dress colorfully, but modestly, wearing several layers of clothing. The Chleuh don't really value education because they believe that hard work is of higher value. Only a small number complete more than a few years of public schooling.In rural areas; however, many male children attend Islamic schools where they are taught the Koran. A typical family consists of close relatives living under the authority of the male head of the family. A new bride, often as young as 14, will move into the home of the husband's family after marriage. Since the late 19th century, many Chleuh have left their poor, overpopulated valleys, in hopes of finding new resources in the northern cities of Morocco and abroad ( Europe especially , France, Belgium, Netherlands ). Some have become profitable grocers, shopkeepers, or wholesalers. Others have entered the fabric trade. Today, some of the most important businessmen in Casablanca are Chleuh.

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