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The Chenouis
The Chenouis, also known as Chenoua or Icenwiyen in Berber, are a Berber ethnic group native to the Chenoua Mountains in northern Algeria. They are one of the many Berber groups in the country and have a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in the region’s history. The Chenoui people traditionally inhabit the areas between Ténès in the east and Cherchell in the west, with their population estimated to be around 106,000. Their language, Shenwa, is a Northern Berber dialect closely related to the Shawiya and Zenata varieties spoken by Berbers in eastern Algeria and the Rif region. Geographically, the Chenouis’ traditional lands are located in the province of Tipaza, as…
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The Mozabite people
The Mozabite people, also known as the Banu Mzab, are an indigenous Berber ethnic group located in the M’zab region in northern Algeria. This region, characterized by its harsh desert landscapes, is home to approximately 150,000 to 300,000 Mozabites. The Mozabites speak Mozabite, a variety of the Zenati language group within the Berber branch of the Afroasiatic family. Their language, although primarily spoken by the Mozabite population, is also influenced by Arabic, the dominant language in Algeria. Historically, the Mozabites have been known for their distinct cultural and religious practices. The majority of Mozabites are followers of Ibadi Islam, a sect that traces its roots to early Islamic history. Ibadi…
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The Kabyle people
The Kabyle people are an indigenous Berber ethnic group native to Kabylia, a rugged and mountainous region located in northern Algeria. Situated in the Atlas Mountains, Kabylia spans an area about 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of Algiers. The Kabyles are the largest Berber group in Algeria and the second largest in North Africa, with a population of approximately six million people. Their cultural identity is deeply tied to their language, Kabyle, which is a variant of the Berber languages, and they are known for their strong sense of community and independence. The Kabyle people have a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. Their society has traditionally…
