National Library’s New Exhibit Gives Visitors a Glimpse into Amazigh’s Rich Heritage

As the country celebrates the Amazigh New Year this week, this rare collection pays homage to the history of Morocco’s indigenous people.

Fez – On Monday, The National Library of Morocco unveiled a unique exhibition, that elevates the rich documentary heritage of Amazigh culture.

This initiative comes as Morocco is celebrating Amazigh New Year 2975, today, January 14. traditionally observed on January 14, and highlights Morocco’s commitment to preserving its cultural diversity.

This significant event, attended by officials from various Arab nations, offered a rare glimpse into the wealth of Amazigh heritage through meticulously preserved collections.

The National Library put on display manuscripts, photographs, books, and periodicals, all curated from their rare archives, exhibiting its role as a guardian of the nation’s historical and cultural identity.

Samira El Malizi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication spoke at the inauguration ceremony, where she talked about what the event means to the cultural heritage of the Amazigh people.

She commended the special attention afforded to Amazigh culture by King Mohammed VI, who recognizes it as a cornerstone of Moroccan identity and a co-official language alongside Arabic.

El Malizi, who is also serving as interim director of the National Library, explained that this exhibition is a testament to the institution’s mission of collecting, preserving, processing, and promoting the country’s documentary heritage.

“This first-of-its-kind event at the National Library reflects our dedication to showcasing and safeguarding Amazigh culture, which remains an essential pillar of Morocco’s diverse cultural landscape,” she stated, as reported by MAP.

The three-day exhibition provides visitors with an extraordinary opportunity to explore a curated selection of Amazigh cultural treasures.

These include centuries-old manuscripts, periodicals, newspapers, and literary works that vividly portray the depth and breadth of Amazigh contributions to Moroccan history and society.

Beyond its cultural significance, this year’s Amazigh New Year celebration carries particular importance, as it is the second time it has been recognized as an official paid public holiday.

This designation places the Amazigh New Year on par with the Islamic New Year and the Gregorian New Year, affirming its integral place in Morocco’s national calendar.

The decision to institutionalize the Amazigh New Year as a public holiday was announced by His King Mohammed VI on May 3, 2023.

The move reflects Morocco’s commitment to embracing its cultural diversity and advancing the recognition of the Amazigh identity.

It also builds upon the progress achieved since the monarch’s historic Ajdir Speech in 2001, where he elevated the Amazigh culture as an essential component of Morocco’s national unity.

The Ajdir Speech marked a turning point in the country’s approach to the Amazigh question, leading to numerous reforms and initiatives aimed at integrating Amazigh language and culture into the broader national narrative.

These include its recognition as an official language in the 2011 constitution and ongoing efforts to promote its use in education, media, and public life.

As visitors explore the exhibits, they are reminded of the invaluable role Amazigh culture plays in shaping Morocco’s identity.

The manuscripts, photographs, and books on display are not just historical artifacts; they are living testimonies to the resilience and richness of a culture that continues to thrive in contemporary Morocco.

By providing a platform for dialogue and education, events like this contribute to fostering a deeper understanding of the Amazigh legacy and its enduring significance in the modern world.