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The Tuaregs of Morocco

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Bianca
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« on: October 13, 2007, 09:40:11 pm »

           








                                                   T H E  T U A R E G





A cluster of 8 distinct groups in 5 different countries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



"Far away to the south of Algeria,
in the trackless wastes of the Sahara,
there lives a race of marauding nomads,
who on account of their impious character,
have been named by the Arabs -

Tawarek, meaning God-forsaken".



 The Tuareg are a group of nomadic stock breeders (considered part of the Berber peoples), who live in an extensive area of West Africa from Western Sahara to the northern parts of Western Sudan. The question of their origin and early history is still unresolved, but they appear to have traveled southwards in a series of migrations as early as the 7th century AD. By the end of the 14th century Tuareg groups had established themselves as far south as the Nigerian border.



History:

The ancient Sahara was a region worth fighting for. Archaeologists have been digging up and studying the remains of large populations that once lived, evidently in comfort, all over it. Judging from the remains these archaeologists have found, they believe the ancient Sahara was a lush region, filled with low grass valleys, trees, shrubs, and ferns. It had rivers, lakes and swamps.

As they advanced, the Tuareg came into contact with the Songhay and the Hausa, who were forced to acknowledge their regime. Raids against sedentary settlements and caravans were central to their ethos and hierarchy, and increased their herds of cattle. Because of their swift camels and superior weapons, the Tuareg generally had the better of their enemies. The Tuareg also conquered the Harratine who were a farming people of Negroid stock. These people were not trained for war and gave in without a struggle. In return for protection from other desert marauders, they agreed to give the Tuareg half their garden produce. Thereafter they continued to farm their land as serfs.



Location:

Tuareg country ranges from Savannah in the south, with 10-20 inches of rain per year, to barren desert in the north, dominated by the mountains of Ahaggar, Tassilin-ajjer, Adrar-n-Foras and Air. The northern region is very hot in summer, often reaching temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Violent winds are also very common and add considerably to the discomfort of the climate. A sandstorm does far more damage than rain and they are much feared. Traveling is extremely hard under such conditions and most people spend the day in the shade of rocks and trees, sleeping and drinking water. The rains in the Sahara are irregular, and in some places it has not rained for 6 years. In contrast, it is not uncommon for snow to fall on the higher slopes of the Ahaggar during winter.
« Last Edit: October 19, 2007, 10:27:28 am by Bianca2001 » Report Spam   Logged

Your mind understands what you have been taught; your heart what is true.


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