The term “Berber” refers to the indigenous peoples of North Africa, primarily found in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia. The Berber people are also known as Imazighen (singular: Amazigh), which means “free people” or “noble men” in their language. In addition to referring to the people, Berber can also denote their language, known as Tamazight (or Tamazgha in its broader context), which is part of the Afroasiatic language family. The Berber languages have many dialects spoken across North Africa.
The Berber culture has a long history, dating back to ancient times, and they have contributed significantly to the region’s arts, architecture, and trade. Many Berbers still practice traditional ways of life, though many have also integrated into modern urban societies. The Berber identity remains an important cultural marker in North Africa today.