The Sanhaja 

The Sanhaja were one of the largest and most influential Berber tribal confederations in North Africa, historically spanning regions such as Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Tunisia, and the Western Sahara. The term “Sanhaja” refers to a group of Berber tribes that, over time, came to form distinct confederations, each contributing significantly to the political and cultural landscape of the Maghreb and beyond.

Historically, the Sanhaja were divided into three main confederations, which were recognized by scholars like Ibn Khaldun. The first group, known as the Danhāǧa/Sanhaja of the first type, included tribes such as the Kutāma and Zawāwa, located in the Kabyle mountains, and played a key role in the establishment of several dynasties, including the Zirid Dynasty, the Hammadid Dynasty, and the Fatimid Caliphate. This confederation’s influence stretched across northern Algeria, from the Awrās mountains to the Mediterranean coast.

The Aznag/Iẓnagen, or Sanhaja of the second type, were associated with the tribes of the Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Senegal. This group, which included tribes like the Lamtuna and Massufa, was the foundation of the Almoravid dynasty. The Almoravids were instrumental in the spread of Islam throughout the region and in establishing a powerful empire that spanned from the Maghreb to parts of Spain.

The Ṣanhāja of the third type were primarily located in the Moroccan Atlas and spoke Shilha. This confederation was integral to the rise of the Almohad dynasty, which succeeded the Almoravids and established a vast empire.

Overall, the Sanhaja tribes played a crucial role in shaping the political, religious, and cultural identity of North Africa and left a lasting legacy in the region’s history.