NEWS IN PICTURES – Amazigh World News https://amazighworldnews.com Amazigh latest news and educational articles Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:24:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Vandalism of Prehistoric Stone Tablet in Algeria Sparks Outcry for Heritage Protection https://amazighworldnews.com/vandalism-of-prehistoric-stone-tablet-in-algeria-sparks-outcry-for-heritage-protection/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vandalism-of-prehistoric-stone-tablet-in-algeria-sparks-outcry-for-heritage-protection https://amazighworldnews.com/vandalism-of-prehistoric-stone-tablet-in-algeria-sparks-outcry-for-heritage-protection/#respond Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:19:40 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10877 In Taghit, near Algeria’s Bechar region, a prehistoric engraved stone tablet has been defaced with the name “Miloud,” sparking public outcry among the Amazigh community.

The tablet, considered a rare and invaluable artifact, has suffered damage that threatens the preservation of Algeria’s Amazigh heritage. Authorities are now facing calls for stronger measures to protect these archaeological treasures from further vandalism.

Conservationists stress the importance of safeguarding prehistoric sites like Taghit, highlighting the cultural loss caused by careless actions against irreplaceable relics of human history.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/vandalism-of-prehistoric-stone-tablet-in-algeria-sparks-outcry-for-heritage-protection/feed/ 0
Calls for Global Intervention Against Mali and Wagner’s Crimes in Azawad https://amazighworldnews.com/calls-for-global-intervention-against-mali-and-wagners-crimes-in-azawad/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=calls-for-global-intervention-against-mali-and-wagners-crimes-in-azawad https://amazighworldnews.com/calls-for-global-intervention-against-mali-and-wagners-crimes-in-azawad/#respond Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:55:50 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10795 A stand in solidarity took place in Dijon, France, as activists and human rights defenders rallied to urge the international community to intervene in Mali. The demonstrators condemned the severe human rights violations committed by the Malian army and Russian Wagner mercenaries against the Azawad people, a region in northern Mali.

The rally called for immediate action to halt the ongoing violence, with participants demanding accountability for the crimes committed against the Azawad population. The protesters emphasized the need for justice, calling for international attention to protect the victims and address the escalating crisis in Mali. Their message was clear: the world must take a stand for human rights and peace in Azawad.

Azawad, a cultural region primarily inhabited by the Tuareg people, declared independence in 2012, though it was not internationally recognized. Since then, it has been a battleground for various armed groups, worsened by the presence of the Wagner mercenaries. The region remains a symbol of the Tuareg people’s fight for autonomy and self-determination amidst ongoing conflict.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/calls-for-global-intervention-against-mali-and-wagners-crimes-in-azawad/feed/ 0
Researchers in Algeria have spotted the Saharan Cheetah https://amazighworldnews.com/researchers-in-algeria-have-spotted-the-saharan-cheetah/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=researchers-in-algeria-have-spotted-the-saharan-cheetah https://amazighworldnews.com/researchers-in-algeria-have-spotted-the-saharan-cheetah/#respond Wed, 22 May 2024 14:25:40 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10746 Researchers in Algeria have spotted the Saharan cheetah in the Ahaggar region near Tamanrasset for the first time in 15 years. The Northwest African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki), also known as the Saharan cheetah, is a subspecies native to the Sahara and the Sahel. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with the population suspected to number fewer than 250 mature individuals as of 2008.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/researchers-in-algeria-have-spotted-the-saharan-cheetah/feed/ 0
Moroccan Artist Asma Lamnawar Embraces Amazigh Identity, Expresses Pride in Heritage https://amazighworldnews.com/moroccan-artist-asma-lamnawar-embraces-amazigh-identity-expresses-pride-in-heritage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moroccan-artist-asma-lamnawar-embraces-amazigh-identity-expresses-pride-in-heritage https://amazighworldnews.com/moroccan-artist-asma-lamnawar-embraces-amazigh-identity-expresses-pride-in-heritage/#respond Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:56:11 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10740 Moroccan singer Asma Lamnawar has recently spoken out about her deep connection to her Amazigh roots, expressing pride in her identity, language, and civilization. In a candid interview on Amr Adib’s Big Time podcast on MBC Arabic, Lamnawar revealed her strong Amazigh heritage.

“I am seriously Amazigh and I am proud of my identity. Indeed, I do not speak Amazigh, but I understand it well,” Lamnawar stated during the podcast. Despite not being fluent in the language, she emphasized her profound understanding and appreciation for Amazigh culture.

Lamnawar highlighted the significance of the Amazigh people as the indigenous population of North Africa. She passionately asserted, “The Amazighs are the indigenous people of the Maghreb countries, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, as well as the Tuareg of the Sahara Desert to the borders of Siwa in Egypt.”

The singer also shared insights into the recent celebrations of the Amazigh New Year, officially recognized as the year 2974. Lamnawar noted the widespread festivities that took place throughout Morocco, underscoring the importance of honoring Amazigh heritage and traditions.

Expressing her aspirations, Lamnawar revealed her dream of singing in the Amazigh language. “My dream remains to sing a song in Soussia, the important thing is that it be Amazigh, and I will start practicing the pronunciation of the words until I pronounce them correctly,” she stated enthusiastically.

Lamnawar’s remarks shed light on the enduring significance of Amazigh culture in Morocco and across North Africa. Her embrace of her Amazigh identity serves as a testament to the richness and diversity of the region’s heritage, inspiring others to celebrate their roots and preserve their cultural legacy.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/moroccan-artist-asma-lamnawar-embraces-amazigh-identity-expresses-pride-in-heritage/feed/ 0
Agadir’s First Tamazight “Stop” Sign: A Cultural Milestone in Morocco https://amazighworldnews.com/agadirs-first-tamazight-stop-sign-a-cultural-milestone-in-morocco/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=agadirs-first-tamazight-stop-sign-a-cultural-milestone-in-morocco https://amazighworldnews.com/agadirs-first-tamazight-stop-sign-a-cultural-milestone-in-morocco/#respond Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:55:48 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10690 Agadir, a native Amazigh region, proudly unveils its first-ever “Stop” sign in Tamazight, a historic step in recognizing Tamazight as a national language in #Morocco. This marks a milestone, revisiting a previous attempt by the city of Nador in 2003, which faced government opposition.

In a groundbreaking move, Agadir recently introduced its first Tamazight “Stop” sign, signaling a significant development in the ongoing recognition process of Tamazight as a national language in Morocco.

It’s important to note that while Agadir’s initiative is a first for the city, it revisits a similar milestone from 2003 in the city of Nador. Despite Nador’s introduction of an Amazigh sign back then, it faced swift opposition from the Moroccan government, leading to its overturn.

Agadir’s recent unveiling carries the torch forward, challenging historical hurdles and rekindling the conversation around linguistic diversity in Morocco. The city’s determination to display the Tamazight “Stop” sign underscores the ongoing struggle for cultural recognition and acceptance.

This dual narrative of Agadir’s achievement and the historical context with Nador adds depth to the significance of this moment. As discussions surrounding Tamazight’s role continue, Agadir stands as a symbol of resilience, sparking renewed conversations about implementing the Amazigh law in Morocco.

Agadir’s first Tamazight “Stop” sign is not just a local milestone but a reflection of a broader national dialogue. It highlights both progress and the challenges faced in the journey towards recognizing Tamazight as an integral part of Morocco’s linguistic landscape.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/agadirs-first-tamazight-stop-sign-a-cultural-milestone-in-morocco/feed/ 0
Ifrane Has Been Named In The Top 10 Most Beautiful City in Africa https://amazighworldnews.com/ifrane-has-been-named-in-the-top-10-most-beautiful-city-in-africa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ifrane-has-been-named-in-the-top-10-most-beautiful-city-in-africa https://amazighworldnews.com/ifrane-has-been-named-in-the-top-10-most-beautiful-city-in-africa/#respond Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:55:16 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10563 Ifrane, a city in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains, was ranked among the top 10 cities to visit in Africa, according to travel platform The Travel.

The site emphasized Ifrane’s “particularly exciting” winter attractiveness in addition to its “stunning colonial architecture.”

The area near Michlifen where the city is located is famous for its resorts that offer ski runs on mountains covered in snow.

Ifrane, named after the Tamazight word for ‘caves’, which is the main spoken language in the area. It’s built into the limestone rock, with some of the most famous caves existing in Zaouiat Ifrane, just an hour away by car from Ifrane’s city center.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/ifrane-has-been-named-in-the-top-10-most-beautiful-city-in-africa/feed/ 0
Amazigh World Assembly Calls Moroccan Central Bank to Include Tifinagh in Moroccan Currency https://amazighworldnews.com/amazigh-world-assembly-calls-moroccan-central-bank-to-include-tifinagh-in-moroccan-currency/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amazigh-world-assembly-calls-moroccan-central-bank-to-include-tifinagh-in-moroccan-currency https://amazighworldnews.com/amazigh-world-assembly-calls-moroccan-central-bank-to-include-tifinagh-in-moroccan-currency/#respond Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:45:08 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10549 The Amazigh World Assembly, AMA, an organization advocating for the recognition and preservation of the Amazigh language and culture, has written to Morocco’s central bank’s Wali, Abdellatif Jouahri, raising concerns about the exclusion of the Amazigh language using the old tifinagh script on Moroccan banknotes and coins.

The parliament voiced dissatisfaction with Bank Al-Maghrib’s “negligence and total exclusion of the Amazigh language, which is considered an official language of the country, alongside Arabic, according to the Moroccan constitution of July 1, 2011.”

According to the statement, Morocco passed a regulatory rule in 2019 mandating the use of the Amazigh language on currency and stamps, but it has yet to be implemented.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/amazigh-world-assembly-calls-moroccan-central-bank-to-include-tifinagh-in-moroccan-currency/feed/ 0
Sweden’s Loreen of Amazigh Roots Wins Eurovision Song Contest https://amazighworldnews.com/swedens-loreen-of-amazigh-roots-wins-eurovision-song-contest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=swedens-loreen-of-amazigh-roots-wins-eurovision-song-contest https://amazighworldnews.com/swedens-loreen-of-amazigh-roots-wins-eurovision-song-contest/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 15:03:16 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10525 Loreen, who was born to Moroccan Amazigh immigrants in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1983, won the Eurovision Song Contest once more after enthralling the judges and the audience with the pop ballad “Tattoo.” This was her second victory in the prestigious competition.

Ms. Lorine Zineb Nora Talhaoui, often known as Loreen, has had a lot of success. She had triumphed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with the song “Euphoria,” and she has done so once more with the captivating tune “Tattoo.”

At the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest took place. The performance honored the ravaged Ukraine. Normally, the year’s winner hosts the event, but due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Britain, the 2022 runner-up, was given the honor.

The competition’s 2023 theme was “united by music,” and the event included a wide range of talent from 25 different countries.

Taking center stage and singing, “You’re stuck on me like a tattoo-hoo-hoo,” Loreen was positioned between two dazzling illuminated platforms. Her performance strayed away from the theatrical and fanciful acts that have frequently dominated the competition in recent years and toward a more classic pop style.

In a Vogue interview, Loreen, who is renowned for her defiant demeanor both on and off the stage, said: “It’s about being true to yourself and where you come from. That’s where my Moroccan and Berber (Amazigh) ancestry lies. In my home country, music is used for more than simply entertainment; it also aids in various healing processes. Ride has always been about embracing unbridled female power and not giving in to what society tells you to, according to the artist.

After her beloved husband perished in the war, my great-grandmother refused to be in an arranged marriage,’ Loreen drew inspiration from her relatives. She disguised herself as a guy in order to live as she escaped over the desert from Morocco to Algeria with her infant. Her bravery and strength are admirable. My veins are strengthened by those Amazigh origins.

Loreen mentioned aspirations to expand live performances outside of Sweden and strengthen her ties to her Amazigh origin in 2017.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/swedens-loreen-of-amazigh-roots-wins-eurovision-song-contest/feed/ 0
Cannes Festival: Film by Amazigh Film Director Shortlisted for the Directors’ Fortnight https://amazighworldnews.com/cannes-festival-film-by-amazigh-film-director-shortlisted-for-the-directors-fortnight/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cannes-festival-film-by-amazigh-film-director-shortlisted-for-the-directors-fortnight https://amazighworldnews.com/cannes-festival-film-by-amazigh-film-director-shortlisted-for-the-directors-fortnight/#respond Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:27:15 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10511 Amazigh short film, “Axxam yargha, maqar anesahmu” (The house is burning, might as well get warm) has been selected to represent the Amazigh cinema for the first time in history at the prestigious Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight taking place from 16 to 27 May, 2023.

Despite the lack of equipment, the film directed by Mouloud Ait Liotna, was entirely shot in the region of Ait Melikech in the city of Bejaïa by a young talented film crew mainly native from the town and surrounding Amazigh regions as well as the acting roles, featuring Mehdi Ramdani, Mohamed Lefkir, Mustapha Rais, Idir Benaibouche, Koceila Mahfoud Alias Koukou and many other young talents. Film is produced by Alpha-Tango, and co-produced by  “L’œil vive” and “Avant la nuit”.

Some 4,000 films were viewed (including short films) which show a “return in force of Asia, the United States and some African proposals,” Thierry Fremaux, the delegate general of the Cannes Film Festival said.

As for the synopsis, “Axxam yargha, maqar anesahmu” tells the story of Yanis, a young Kabyle, leaves tomorrow for Paris. Only, the sudden death of a loved one disturbs his last hours in the village and drags him into a strange day where the bitterness of leaving is tempered by sorrow.

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/cannes-festival-film-by-amazigh-film-director-shortlisted-for-the-directors-fortnight/feed/ 0
Melilla City Prepares for the Amazigh New Year 2973 https://amazighworldnews.com/melilla-city-prepares-for-the-amazigh-new-year-2973/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=melilla-city-prepares-for-the-amazigh-new-year-2973 https://amazighworldnews.com/melilla-city-prepares-for-the-amazigh-new-year-2973/#respond Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:00:12 +0000 https://amazighworldnews.com/?p=10457 Melilla City is preparing to welcome the Amazigh new year celebration 2973 with a dazzling spectacle in the main downtown city.

Last year, a scaled-back crowd of about 5,000 in-person mask-wearing spectators attended the two days event featuring live music, traditional food and several presentation. This year the number expected to double up due to lifting of Covid restrictions.

Melilla is a Spanish exclave in the Moroccan territory side of the Mediterranean. Because its a city in Spain people are Spanish speaking; however, because it’s also located in the Rif area, Tamazight of the Rif ‘Tarifit” is also widely spoken languages.

324887026 5860700623975520 106689247980029781 n
324887026 5860700623975520 106689247980029781 n

 

]]>
https://amazighworldnews.com/melilla-city-prepares-for-the-amazigh-new-year-2973/feed/ 0