In a groundbreaking discovery, scholars have identified a unique papyrus in the Museo Egizio in Turin that connects ancient Egyptian culture with the lesser-known Qeheq people. This papyrus, believed to originate from Dar el-Medina, contains magical spells designed to ward off snakes. What sets it apart is that it is written in Egyptian script but in the previously unidentified language of the Qeheq.

The Qeheq are a rare North African ethnic group from the late 2nd millennium BCE, associated with other ancient “Libyan” groups such as the Libu and Meshwesh. The language recorded on this papyrus bears significant similarities to proto-Berber, a linguistic ancestor of the modern Amazigh languages spoken across North Africa today. This discovery makes the papyrus one of the earliest textually attested examples of the Amazigh language.

This find bridges the fields of Egyptology and Berberology/Amazigh Studies, offering new insights into the interactions between the Egyptians and their North African neighbors. It enhances our understanding of the geographic and temporal spread of ancient Amazigh languages and their cultural exchanges with Egypt.

Jason Silvestri, a PhD candidate in Egyptian Archaeology at UC Berkeley, is at the forefront of this research. His dissertation focuses on the Libyan Period in Egypt, exploring ethnic identities and political dynamics. Silvestri’s work, which includes studying modern Amazigh languages and their historical contexts, positions him as a key figure in unraveling the connections between ancient Egyptian and Amazigh cultures.

This discovery not only enriches our knowledge of ancient North African languages but also highlights the complex cultural and linguistic tapestry of the region, linking past and present in a profound and illuminating way.

During the press interaction, Regragui, known for his candidness, was asked whether Morocco’s performance on the football pitch was indicative of representing the Arab nations, especially in light of the recent exits of prominent Arab teams from the competition. In response, Regragui unequivocally stated, “Morocco is my only concern, and I am not in this competition to represent the Arab nations.”

Regragui’s statment ignited a fiery debate on the responsibilities of athletes towards broader regional identities. While some applauded Regragui’s unwavering commitment to his homeland, others condemned his perceived disregard for pan-Arab solidarity, particularly in a sporting arena that often serves as a unifying force for nations across the Arab world.

The timing of Regragui’s remarks adds fuel to the fire, as many Arab football enthusiasts grapple with the disappointment of their respective teams’ premature exits from the tournament. For them, Regragui’s assertion serves as a bitter pill to swallow, exacerbating feelings of disillusionment and prompting soul-searching conversations about the nuances of sporting representation.

Furthermore, Regragui’s stance underscores the complex interplay between sport, nationalism, and regional identity. While athletes undoubtedly carry the weight of national expectations on their shoulders, the question of whether they also bear the burden of representing broader cultural and geopolitical affiliations remains contentious. Regragui’s assertion, while seemingly divisive, forces stakeholders to confront these intricate dynamics head-on.

Walid Regragui’s assertion of Morocco’s primacy in his football endeavors has sparked a multifaceted conversation about national and cultural identity within the North African nation. While his comments have reignited discussions about Morocco’s representation on the international stage, they have also brought to the forefront the nuanced understanding of identity, particularly the recognition of the Amazigh indigenous population. By emphasizing Morocco’s singular focus, Regragui has underscored the importance of acknowledging the original identity of North Africa, which is deeply rooted in its Amazigh heritage.

A Cultural Resonance:

The event unfolded in a mesmerizing display of traditions, music, dance, and community spirit. From the moment attendees entered the Armory Hall, they were immersed in the rhythmic beats of traditional Amazigh music that echoed through the venue, setting the tone for an evening filled with cultural richness.

Dance of Unity:

One of the highlights of the evening was the captivating Ahidous dance performances that graced the stage. The choreography beautifully depicted the essence of Amazigh heritage, with every movement telling a story of tradition and unity. Attendees were transported to a world where cultural diversity was celebrated through the art of dance.

Flavors of Amazigh Cuisine:

The aroma of delicious Amazigh tea and traditional sweets wafted through the air, tantalizing taste buds and providing a culinary journey for all attendees.

Community Spirit in Focus:

The Amazigh New Year celebration was more than just an event; it was a gathering of communities, a coming together of people to celebrate their shared heritage. Engaging activities brought attendees closer, fostering a sense of unity that resonated throughout the Armory Hall.

Organized by AANO:

The event was proudly organized by the Amazigh American Network Organization (AANO), a dedicated group committed to preserving and promoting Amazigh culture in the United States. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the celebration reflected the true spirit of Amazigh traditions.

Gratitude to All:

As the celebration concluded, organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. From volunteers and performers to attendees, each person played a crucial role in making the Amazigh New Year 2974 Celebration a memorable and joyous occasion.

Looking Forward:

As we look back on the highlights of this cultural journey, the Amazigh American Network Organization eagerly anticipates more shared moments in the future. The celebration of Amazigh heritage in Boston has become an annual tradition that continues to grow, fostering cultural understanding and unity within the community.

In conclusion, the Amazigh New Year 2974 Celebration in Boston was a testament to the enduring power of cultural traditions and the strength of community bonds. As we reflect on the joyous moments shared, we eagerly await the next chapter in the celebration of Amazigh culture in the heart of Boston.

For more information about upcoming events and activities organized by AANO, visit their Facebook page AANO  or www.weamazigh.com

The initiative’s primary goal is twofold: to reconnect youngsters with their Amazigh-speaking family members and to breathe new life into the Tamazight language in Europe. Recognizing the importance of language as a cultural bridge, the program seeks to restore connections that may have faded over time, offering a path for teenagers to rediscover and embrace their linguistic roots.

The driving force behind this initiative is a passionate educator who, armed with a vision of linguistic revitalization, created a video showcasing the transformative journey of both the teacher and the students. The video captures the essence of the learning experience, highlighting the dedication and enthusiasm of the participants.

By focusing on teaching Tarifit Tamazight, the program addresses the specific needs of teenagers in Belgium who may have grown up without exposure to the language. The curriculum is carefully crafted to be engaging and accessible, fostering an environment where students not only learn the language but also develop a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.

The impact of the initiative extends beyond the classroom, as participants share stories of renewed connections with Amazigh-speaking family members. The initiative has become a beacon of cultural reclamation, offering a platform for teenagers to not only learn a language but also to embrace a vital part of their identity.

As the initiative continues to gain momentum, its founder envisions a future where Tamazight thrives in Europe, with more teenagers confidently conversing in their ancestral language. The video serves as a testament to the success and vibrancy of the program, showcasing the genuine joy and sense of accomplishment experienced by both the teacher and the students.

This Tamazight language initiative near Antwerp not only enriches the lives of its participants but also contributes to the broader tapestry of linguistic diversity, fostering connections that transcend borders and generations.

The Amazigh New Year, also known as Yennayer, is a joyous and important holiday for the Amazigh people of North Africa. The Amazigh are an indigenous group with a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. The Amazigh homeland, called Tamazgha, extends across North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt and as far south as the lower limits of the Sahara in Niger and Mali.

For decades, Morocco and Algeria’s relationship has been marked by hostility, and over the past few years, the level of verbal attacks has escalated to the point that there were actually concern these actions could escalate the conflict into military confrontation between the two powers. Morocco and Algeria’s land border has already been closed since 1994. Algerian airspace was closed to Moroccan flights, and Algeria refused to extend the contract for the gas pipeline, which transported gas to Spain through Morocco. 

What is the reason behind the animosity between the two neighboring countries? What are the implication of this conflict? And how can this Cold War come to an end?

Morocco and Algeria have a lot in common. While both countries share almost the same language, culture, and religion, we can longer pretend that the conflict is just between the two regimes, it is time to admit that this tension is influencing how people from both countries think about each-other. The new generations are being influenced by the propaganda and fake news from social media from both parties. While we can’t say that propaganda is  propagated by both governments but pro-government media on both sides routinely denigrate and mock other country’s major problems and focus on each other’s domestic failures and internal affairs. And while there are groups professing and promoting brotherly sentiments between both people it is obvious that this is changing as people from both sides accuse each other of stirring conflict. 

In 2019, the four nations of North Africa recently put aside their disagreements and joined forces in an effort to have the traditional Amazigh couscous recognized as a UNESCO world heritage dish.

How Does Algeria See The Conflict?

• Decades ago, the Moroccan King Hassan II made territorial claims in Algeria. In 1963, he launched a military invasion on the nation. As a result, hundreds of Algeria’s ill-equipped men were killed. Even though the war was short this conflict has had a lasting impact on Algeria’s military and political institutions.

• From Algeria’s perspective, The Moroccans are suspected of aiding organizations that Algeria just labeled as terrorists. These include the Islamist Rachad and the Amazigh separatist Movement for Kabylie’s Self-Determination (MAK) 

• For a long time Morocco claims what is referred to as Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory and In 1975 Morocco organized what it calls a Green March which resulted in its taking control over Western Shara. Something that resulted in another era of tensions and obviously reminded Algeria of Morocco invasion over a decade ago. The fear of Moroccan expansion became a significant element in Algeria’s decision to accept the independence of Western Sahara because Algiers believed it would help curb Moroccan irredentism, even though Morocco would drop its claims to areas in Algeria in 1972.

• Algeria and Algerians accuse and criticize Morocco’s established relations with Israel so the United States can support Morocco in its claim over “Western Sahara”. It is important to note that Algeria is hostile to Israel and does not have any diplomatic ties with the country. 

How Does Morocco See The Conflict?

• Morocco claims that “Western Sahara” has always been a part of Morocco and accuses Algeria of interfering in its internal affairs. Morocco also suspects that Algeria wants a window to the Atlantic Ocean and uses “Western Sahara” as an excuse to achieve its personal goals. 

• Algeria seeks to destabilize Morocco since it support the Polisario Front financially and militarily. The Polisario Front is an armed group that battled Morocco for sovereignty of Western Sahara from 1975 until 1991. 
• Morocco also blames Algeria for the conflict in the region since Algeria was the one that closed its borders, cut diplomatic ties with Morocco, closed its airspace and decided not to renew the gas pipeline agreement that transported gas to Spain through Morocco. 

• The United States’ recognition of Morocco’s soveinegty over Western Sahara has reignited the conflict between Morocco and Algeria. All these moves have angered Algeria, both because of its support for the Sahrawis and its hostility to Israel.
• Morocco accuses Algeria and Spain for aiding the leader of Polisario, someone Morocco consider a war criminal. 
• Algeria’s rulers continue to argue  that they support the right to self-determination while it continue to ignore the Kbayli region’s attempt to self determination.

The Problem In Simple Terms:

While the issue of Western Sahara may appear to be reason for the conflict, the true basis of the conflict is the competition for regional leadership in North Africa and an unsolved colonial-era land issue caused by both France and Spain. 

The Big Picture And Potential Risks:

Morocco and the United States enjoy strong economic and diplomatic relations in addition to Morocco being an old US ally. Morocco also has established relations with Israel. It is also worth noting that the relations between Morocco and Iran are non existent. Algeria on the other hand is Pro Russia, anti Israel and has cordial relations with Iran.

Why does Algeria’s friendly relations with Russia and Iran matter? It matters because the two countries (Russia and Iran) constitute a threat to both Israel and the United States which is something that is not good specifically for Algeria and North Africa in general as it possible for all four super powers ( The US, Russia, Israel and Iran) to race to to build military bases in North Africa. The equation then becomes; Russia, Iran and Algeria, Vs US, Israel, and Morocco. What some Moroccans fear is North Africa becoming another battle ground for all these military powers. 

How Does This Affect The Amazigh People From Both Sides?

Algerian and Moroccan people are so similar that it is impossible to tell them apart. However, political, and ideological differences between these “brotherly” countries have taken a toll on their relations. Recently, there have been a number of disputes on social media regarding Couscous, Architecture, and other issues regarding historical events. In response to Algeria’s soccer team new training outfit, which was introduced by the manufacturer Adidas last week, the Moroccan government has accused Algeria of “cultural appropriation.” 

The Moroccan government and Moroccans themselves argue that the geometric design imprinted in the Algerian outfit which is typical in Moroccan “Zellige” mosaics, represented cultural appropriation and accused Adidas of cultural theft.

Moroccans and Algerians are also fighting over Couscous and people from both sides claim that it is purely theirs. Disputes of over architectural sites and wether they their design and pattern is Moroccan or Algerian are trending on social media as well. 

Solution:

Whether a specific architecture is Moroccan or Algerian , whether Morocco has more rights to claim couscous, It seems that the only reason individuals from both sides argue about these issues is because they are Arabized. Couscous is neither Moroccan nor Algerian. We can also say it is both Moroccan and Algerian because Couscous is An ethnic Amazigh food. Since these aspects are Ethnically Amazigh, it is obvious that they would be found in most North African countries. Maybe when both countries go back to their roots and embrace their Amazigh identity, they won’t be fighting about whether something is Moroccan or Algerian because they will then know that it belongs to the Amazigh people.  The solution may be simplistic but one thing is undeniable, The troubled relationship Between Morocco and Algeria has prevented the region’s integration, which might have significant advantages for both parties.

The tattoos tradition is now quickly disappearing due to the Spanish and French occupations as well the rise of radical Islam in North Africa that prohibited the use of body tattoos in the name of Islam.

Learn more about the Berber tattoos symbols and their meanings here.