Written by Rachid Bouhaddouz
The issue of the Moroccan Sahara is one of the most complex problems at political, social, and cultural levels. While much emphasis is placed on the political aspects of the conflict, the deep identity dimension of the region is often overlooked; Amazigh identity forms an essential part of the Moroccan Saharan social fabric, both in terms of tribal origins and the customs and traditions passed down through generations. The Sahrawis, descendants of Amazigh tribes, have gone through a process of Arabization over the centuries, yet the Amazigh identity remains present in their consciousness, their customs, culture, art, and daily life. Even though they have adopted the Hassani language, it retains clear Amazigh roots in its vocabulary and grammar, reflecting the deep roots of this identity in the Moroccan Sahara.
The spread of Arab nationalism in the 20th century led to a psychological and cultural division among the population and was widely exploited in this conflict, causing some to abandon their Amazigh roots and seek an Arab identity from the Middle East. Some Moroccans came to believe that their connection to the Middle East gave them greater value than their attachment to their authentic, diverse Morocco. This dangerous idea led to the creation of a category of Moroccans who saw themselves as “purer” Arabs than others, prompting some to deny their Amazigh roots and adopt an Eastern Arab identity. The state and political parties also contributed to fostering this feeling of inferiority towards the Middle East and the desire to belong to it. This drove some people to seek separation from what they call the “Kingdom of the Chleuh” (a colloquial term for the Amazigh).
In this article, we will examine the historical and cultural aspects of the conflict and how Arab nationalist discourse deepened the identity divide, highlighting the urgent need to reclaim the Amazigh identity and strengthen national unity.
Amazigh Identity and Its Depth in the Moroccan Sahara
Before analyzing the impact of Arab nationalist discourse in the Moroccan Sahara, it’s essential to note that Amazigh identity is not marginal in the region; it is a historical and cultural core. The Amazigh are the indigenous people of the Moroccan Sahara, with roots going back thousands of years. Amazigh tribes, such as the Sanhaja, founders of the Almoravid Empire who contributed to building North African civilization, symbolized resistance against invaders throughout history and served as a starting point for liberation movements. The Amazigh of the Sahara are known for their resilience and commitment to freedom. Genetic studies show that Sahrawis have the highest levels of Amazigh genes compared to the northern population of Morocco, reflecting the depth of the Amazigh identity in these regions.
Despite the Arabization processes these tribes experienced over time, the Amazigh identity is still evident in their customs, traditions, and language. For example, the Hassani language, widely used in the Sahara, contains many Amazigh words, and much of its grammar stems from the Amazigh language. Even place names in the Sahara, such as “Guerguerat,” “Ikidi,” “Gdeim Izik,” “Tifariti,” “Khfnir,” “Aftissat,” “Ntireft,” “Imil,” and “Kandouz,” still carry a clear Amazigh mark.
Amazigh Cultural Traits in the Language and Customs of Saharan Inhabitants
Amazigh identity is reflected in the language and customs of Saharan inhabitants through various cultural elements that confirm a deep connection to Amazigh roots. These traits include the use of Amazigh words in daily life, including the names of animals and tools used in activities like building tents or agricultural work. For instance, the names of some tools used for the tent, or even the tent itself, are of Amazigh origin.
Artistically, the Sahrawis stand out for their music, which has a strong Amazigh influence, featuring traditional instruments like the “tindin,” a stringed instrument played in celebrations. Additionally, Saharan architecture, including traditional tents, also reflects this Amazigh heritage, evident in architectural details and building techniques.
Family and Tribal Names: Amazigh Roots
Family and tribal names in the Sahara also bear a strong Amazigh mark. Many names begin with “Bou,” meaning “owner” in Amazigh, such as Boufous, Bouchaït, Boukioud. These names reflect the Amazigh inhabitants’ connection to the geography and to ancient Amazigh tribes like the Gdala, Lamtoûna, and Guezoula. Some famous names indicating Amazigh tribes in the Sahara include “Lekdali” (from the Gdala tribe), “Lamtoni” (from Lamtoûna), as well as “Aït Lahcen” and “Aït Oussa.”
Additionally, tribal units still retain their Amazigh names, such as “Ouled Tidrarine” in the Boujdour region, “Taoublat” in the Tan-Tan region, along with other tribes beginning with “Aït,” pointing to their Amazigh origins.
The Impact of Arab Nationalism on Amazigh Identity in the Moroccan Sahara
With the rise of Arab nationalism in the 20th century, supported by Britain and France to weaken the Ottoman Empire, Michel Aflaq, a Christian Syriac, played a key role in its theorization. Aflaq drew heavily from the extreme nationalisms rising in Europe, especially Nazism, which he encountered during his studies in France. His main objective was to counter Turkish influence by promoting an Arab nationalist myth based on Arab racial superiority, influenced by the racist ideology of Nazism.
When this ideology spread in the Middle East, it reached Morocco through certain political organizations that adopted it, creating a psychological and cultural division among Moroccans, especially in the south. This discourse led many Sahrawis to feel that their Arab identity granted them a higher status than their Amazigh identity, pushing some to abandon their roots and build their identity on an Eastern Arab basis.
The Collapse of the Arab Nationalist Myth
In recent years, this Arab nationalist discourse has declined significantly. Genetic research has shown that the Sahrawis, like other Moroccans, carry Amazigh genes dating back thousands of years. These scientific facts have shattered the myth of Arab racial purity, bringing renewed attention to the Amazigh identity that has remained deeply rooted in the region despite efforts to erase it.
Additionally, younger generations have become increasingly culturally aware, with many returning to their Amazigh roots and taking pride in them. This growing awareness among young people strengthens national unity and emphasizes the importance of preserving Morocco’s cultural and historical diversity, away from the nationalist illusions that attempted to create divisions in the past.
Amazigh Identity as a Core Solution to the Moroccan Sahara Issue
Amid the tensions and conflicts surrounding the Moroccan Sahara issue, it’s clear that the most sustainable solution lies in reclaiming the Amazigh identity, which is the deep historical foundation of the Saharan people. The Amazigh identity is not only cultural heritage but also a historical and social bond between Sahrawis and other Moroccans. Recognizing this deeply rooted identity restores things to their natural context and dispels the confusion imposed by foreign Arab nationalist ideologies, thereby strengthening national unity and addressing the divisions sown by separatist propaganda.
Imposing an “Arab Republic” on a deeply Amazigh land is a cultural and historical distortion that contradicts the genetic and social realities of the region’s inhabitants. Restoring the Amazigh identity, alongside recognizing Morocco’s diverse identity, not only enhances stability in the region but also allows for resistance to separatist ideas based on distorted narratives.
The recent European Court of Justice ruling proposing a “consultation of Sahrawis” ignores the historical dimension and the true identity of the Saharan people. The Sahrawis whose opinions should be considered are those who take pride in their Moroccan Amazigh roots, not those who present themselves as migrants from Asia or embrace nationalist ideas that serve separatist interests. Reaffirming the Amazigh identity of Sahrawis removes the contradictions on which these foreign rulings relied and redirects the issue toward the correct solution.
The Moroccan Sahara issue is not only a political matter but primarily an identity issue. Restoring the Amazigh identity of the Saharan people is the key to strengthening national unity and ensuring lasting stability. An “Arab Republic” cannot be imposed on Amazigh land; the Sahrawis should take pride in their true identity as part of Morocco’s rich and diverse history, which guarantees them a place in a society that values diversity and shared belonging.
(*) President of the Amazigh Committee of the Authenticity and Modernity Party