Amazigh or Berber?

On our website we consciously choose the designation Amazighen (singular: Amazigh) and not Berbers. In recent years there has been increasing discussion about the word 'Berber'. It is considered offensive and insulting by some.

Origin indication

The origin of this word lies in the time of the occupation of North Africa by the Romans. The Romans are said to have called the Berbers 'Barbaros', meaning 'non-Greek speaking'. Today, however, the word has a negative connotation because the word 'barbarian' is derived from it.

Free people

We live in a time when awareness of one's own identity is increasing. A group is emerging among the Amazigh that is opposed to the word Berbers. They call themselves Amazighs.

Amazighen means free people. This meaning is especially charged because it has always strongly opposed any form of occupation. They rebelled against the Spanish, Ottomans and French. The Amazighs did not give up on themselves, despite the struggle of the wars.

The pride, fighting spirit and decisiveness of the people are therefore fully in line with a people who call themselves 'free people'. Hence our choice to use the name Amazighen instead of 'Berbers' in our webshop.