Moroccan Berber Culture: A Guide for Travelers

The Berbers, or Amazigh, are the indigenous people of North Africa. In Morocco their culture runs through the national identity, from language and music to building styles and food. Knowing a little about it makes a trip to the desert or the mountains far more rewarding.

Who Are the Berbers?

Berber (Amazigh) people have lived in North Africa for at least 4,000 years. "Berber" comes from the Greek word for "barbarian", so many prefer their own name, Imazighen, meaning free people. Berbers make up approximately 40-60% of Morocco's population. There are three main groups in the country: the Rifians in the north, the Middle Atlas Berbers, and Saharan groups in the south such as the Ait Atta.

Berber Language

Tamazight, the Berber language, is an official language of Morocco alongside Arabic. Its dialects include Tachelhit (south), Tamazight (central) and Tarifit (north). It has its own script, Tifinagh, which you will see on road signs across the country.

Berber Traditions

Music

Music sits at the centre of Berber life. You will hear the bendir (frame drum), the lotar (lute) and the ajouad (flute) at weddings, celebrations and festivals. The best-known Berber music festival is the Festival of the Roses in Kelaat M'Gouna.

Crafts

Berber craftspeople are known above all for:

• Handwoven carpets and rugs
• Silver jewelry
• Pottery and ceramics
• Leather goods
• Textiles

Cuisine

Several of Morocco's best-known dishes come from Berber kitchens:

• Tajine: a slow-cooked stew
• Couscous: traditionally served on Fridays
• Mechoui: roasted lamb
• Mint tea: the drink offered to every guest

Architecture

Typical Berber buildings include:

• Kasbahs: fortified mud-brick buildings
• Ksour: fortified villages
• Igherm: communal granaries
• Palm wood and mud-brick construction

Experiencing Berber Culture

Visit Berber Villages

Traditional Berber villages are scattered through the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara. On our Nomad Experience you meet Berber families.

Stay in a Berber Home

Plenty of guesthouses in Berber villages offer homestays, a good way to see daily life up close.

Attend a Festival

Festivals through the year celebrate Berber music and traditions. Two worth knowing are the Imilchil Marriage Festival and the Festival of the Roses.

Learn Some Tamazight

People notice when you try a few words of Tamazight:

• Azul: Hello
• Tanmirt: Thank you
• Ismd: How are you?

Respectful Cultural Tourism

• Ask before you photograph anyone
• Dress modestly in rural areas
• Accept hospitality with good grace
• Read up on local customs before you go
• Buy crafts directly to support local artisans

Planning a culture-focused trip

Berber culture is at the core of Morocco, and the time you spend learning about it and respecting it will shape your whole trip. Choose a tour that includes Berber cultural visits, or contact us and we will plan an itinerary around culture.