Zenata

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For the Algerian town, see Zenata, Algeria.
Zenata
Iznaten
ⵉⵣⵏⴰⵜⴻⵏ
Regions with significant populations
Maghreb
Languages
Zenati · Maghrebi Arabic
Religion
Islam

The Zenata (Berber: Iznaten, ⵉⵣⵏⴰⵜⴻⵏ) one of the largest Berber tribal confederations of the Maghreb, along with the Sanhaja and Masmuda.[1] They speak the Zenati languages.

Origin[edit]

The Zenata are descendants of older Berber groups. Among these early populations were the Mauretanias, Numidians and Gaetulians of Northeast Africa.[2][3]

History[edit]

The Zenata are nomadic or sedentary and are the builders of cities.[4] Rachid Bellil said: "The disappearance of Zenata to the eighth century, them covering a quarter of North Africa, is one of the most extraordinary facts the Maghreb has ever known. The similarity and living area brings rapid Arabization, accelerated by the desire to ennoble Zenata, published Arabs."[5] Arab tribes of Banu Hilal and Banu Sulaym assimilated the Berbers.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Nelson, Harold D. (1985). Morocco, a country study. Area handbook series. Washington, D.C.: The American University. p. 14. 
  2. ^ Recueil des notices et mémoires de la Société archélologique de la province de Constantine. 1874. 
  3. ^ Gautier, Émile Félix (1952). Le passé de l'Afrique du Nord: Les siècles obscurs. 
  4. ^ Le Magrib central à l'époque des Zirides: recherches d'archéologie et d'histoire Par Lucien Golvin, page 33
  5. ^ Les oasis du Gourara (Sahara algérien) Par Rachid Bellil, page 77