Two weeks ago I had one of the best experiences of my life as I could spend one night in Zagora desert, in Morocco.
It was then where I met some of the most interesting cultures I had ever seen: The Berber.
North African countries (like Morocco and Algeria) are in a racial and cultural meaning, not only Arab nations, but Berber as well.
Politically, the Arab society has dominated North African nations for decades and centuries, and in some moments of history they tried as well eradicating Berber’s own language.
Berbers call themselves some variant of the word Imazighen that means "free people", and originally they come from North Africa’s Nile Valley.
"Nomadic Berber from Morocco"
Picture taken from sudanforum.net
One of the things I will always remember about this experience was talking to Berber people who lived in a small village in the desert. So many interesting stories they wanted to share, and I had the opportunity to listen. Another interesting fact was comparing the lifestyle they have (very different from cities like Marrakesh or Rabat). Berber people will always show and commit to the importance of knowing your way in life, as well as the strong bond they have inside their own communities.
Mohammed, a 20-year-old nomad, would always mention proudly his heritage. “I am a Berber. In Morocco we have two cultures, but the main difference is the language as our religion and traditions are not so different from the Arabs”, he told me one night. And in fact, he was not the only person who mentioned it.
"Berber girl"
Picture taken from: blog.travel-exploration.com
“We are all Moroccan” mentioned Abdul, another Berber who works in Marrakesh and works in the field of tourism. “We might have different roots, but we all manage to live in harmony, it does not matter where do we come from as long as there is respect”.
Morocco is a great example of how two cultures can live integrated in one society, without wanting to be better than the other. Tolerance and understanding are the keys for peace in developing world’s societies.
(Andrea Arzaba, July 2010)
Great! We’re planning a trip to Morocco for next year.
Yes Kevin! You cannot miss it!!!!!!
Just great! I loved the story and agree very much with you. Tolerance and understanding are keys for development.
Thanks!
The indigenous cultures of North Africa! In Egypt, it’s pronounced “barbar” just thought I should mention that
There are some indigenous tribes in the Egyptian deserts as well, but they are relatively few and segregated from the main population.
I must visit this country too. Nice post.
Hello Andrea,
When someone claims ‘it is all love and peace’ I tend to become rather obnoxious and surf the web to see if that is true.
Unfortunately I found an article that states quite the opposite of what you claim in your article. Have a look at this article from February 2010:
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2010/02/26/feature-01
Thanks for your post! People of the desert are indeed open and renown for their hospitality. I wrote some posts about bedouins, hospitality, and the desertin Jordan
However, the title of your post maybe is not the best one, because it seems that in Morocco there is tolerance among all, including the Saharawi people and, as far as I know, still are facing some problems because of Morocco…
Wow. Thanks for this link, @Johan. Very clarifying. I had no idea about this dispute over there. It is good to take a look at the comments on that page. They are very insightful.
I think you’re right to believe so.
Johan, I know about the situation you posted on that link and I decided to take the risk, as the quotes I wrote is what the berbers I stayed with told me. We cannot generalize on this topic (and many others) and the side I wanted to show is from what I experienced
Thank you for the link tho! Another perspective is always interesting!
Sorry “the quotes I wrote ARE what the berbers I stayed with told me”.
the true is tha we cannot relay on what one side stays. I also experienced lovely communities and people and they were so hospitable to me and seemed to be tolersnte to each other… and then you hear to other story and find out that what you have heard was a manipulation… but still the story is nice
Wow! What an amazing trip. Would you mind explaining a little about how you organized this trip and decided to go?
Very true - I am sure there are many places in the world where cultures co-exist, however Morocco seems to always be a unique experience!;)
Wow! Amazing trip
“Morocco is a great example of how two cultures can live integrated in one society, without wanting to be better than the other.” Morocco does unfortunately not ahve such a good track record when it comes to West Sahara, though :(
Daniel, thanks for sharing your thought. That’s what I was also refering to in my comment…;)
@ Clare: I organized this trip with some friends who were studying in Spain with me, and we decided to spend a night in the desert with the berbers!
@ Daniel: I know what you mean and I REALLY HOPE that conflict will be over soon:
http://development.thinkaboutit.eu/think3/post/deserts_unspoken_words_western_saharas_conflict
Hi Andrea, nice post.
I have an experience with Berbers from Egypt. I was there on holiday couple of years ago and from my experience Egyptians seemed to not to accept them much and also Berbers seemed to belong to low social class.
I do not want to generalize my perception as it could be just in one spot in Egypt (Hurghada). I agree with your last sentence “Tolerance and understanding are the keys for peace in developing world’s societies”.
One question to you, Andrea, they say nothing compares to stars above the desert. Is it true?
@ Radka: Thank you so much for your comment. Berbers were a very new cultural experience for me as well, and I could compare them in a way with indigenous from Mexico.
WELL THAT IS TRUE! The stars you see when you are in the desert are UNBELIEVABLE! The sky is so clear and every 4-5 minutes you can see shooting stars!!! I recommend it 100%!!!
Andrea, thanks. I guess desert will be one of my nearest destinations to go….
Radka, glad to hear that… enjoy it!
INDEED RADKA! And Morocco’s desert: One of the best in the world
lol… I’d also suggest the Radi Rum Desert in the south of Jordan… the desert of Lawrence of Arabia
You will remember this beautiful experience in your whole life.
Ive just got back from Marrakech & its amazing. We lent ‘Berber bargaining’ which is reknowned throughout Morocco. Its just am amazing tolerant. safe place. Everyone has respect for everyone & just seems to rub along nicely. Tourists of course are fair game for inflated prices but the Moroccans are lovely, laid back & very happy.