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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…
