The Amazigh of North Africa
The Amazigh of North Africa are the original inhabitants of the land. They are often called the Berbers. Amazigh means ‘free men’. Many were once Christian. St.Augustine of Hippo was Amazigh.
Pray that Augustine’s prayer would be prayed by many Amazigh: “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee.” (Psalm 62:5 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God”)
Population: 25-36 million
Location and Background: Amazigh are found throughout North Africa with large populations in the mountain and rural areas of Morocco and Algeria. There are also 2 million residing in France. Amazigh are the indigenous people of North Africa, dating back thousands of years.
Culture: The Amazigh are traditionally farmers and herders, nomads and traders. They make the famous Berber carpets. The nomadic Tuaregs of the Sahara Desert are Amazigh.
Religion: Islam, with traces of former religious practices.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Not unknown to God
The Chenoua are strong participants in the Amazigh cultural revival. Part of this preservation effort is their use of the Tifinagh script. An estimated 6,000 people speak the Chenoua language, mostly older generations. Young Chenoua increasingly speak Algerian Arabic due to urbanization and education policies.
