The Tuareg are a Berber ethnic group or nation. They call themselves Kel Tamasheq, Kel Tamajaq ("speakers of Tamasheq"), Imouhar, ''Imuhagh'', or Imashaghen ("the free"). The Tuareg people also identify themselves with the word ''Tamust'', the nation. The meaning of the word Tuareg has been long discussed. It may have come from a Libyan region known today as Fezzan, but once called Targa. The Arabic word "Targui", for Tuareg, may have derived from the Targa valley, the main city Ubari west of Sebha. Alternatively, Tuareg may have come from a Bedouin pronunciation of the Arabic language Tawariq ("abandoned by God", singular Tarqi). The Tuareg today are found mostly in West Africa, but, like many in Northern Africa, were once nomads throughout the Sahara. ==History== Descended from Berbers in the region that is now Libya, the Tuareg were an identifiable nomadic people in the Sahara at the time of Herodotus, who mentions the ancient Libyan people, the Garamantes. Archaeological testimony is the ruins of Germa, the modern Tuareg descended from the Garamantes. Later, they expanded into the Sahel. Tuareg merchants were long responsible for luxury trade and Slave_trade_in_Africa connecting the great cities on the southern edge of the Sahara via five desert trade routes to the northern (Mediterranean) coast of Africa. Before the French colonisation, Tuaregs used to enslave West Africans, either to sell them or to use them for domestic purposes; those who were not sold were usually assimilated into the Tuareg community. When the French abolished slavery in its colonies, it affected Tuaregs' way of life and many had to abandon their nomadic life for an urban one. In the Nineteenth Century, they resisted France colonization of what is now Mali and Niger, with Mali signing a peace treaty in 1905 and Niger only in 1917. During this period the French entered southern Algeria. The Ahaggar Tuareg, led by the Amenokal, traditional chief Moussa Ag Amastan, fought many battles against the French, before the region became finally a French protectorate. Before being dismantled by the French, the traditional Tuareg country was organized into a loose confederation. Each of the main groups had a traditional leader called Amenokal, along with an assembly of tribal chiefs: ''Imgharan'', singular ''Amghar''. The groups were: Kel-Ahaggar, Ajjer, Kel-Ayr, Adrar N'Fughas, Iwellemidan, Kel Gres. Following the independence of African states in 1960s, the Tuareg territory was divided between the new states: Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso. Their long-standing conflict with other African tribes has been much exacerbated in the last century, as desertification has forced then steadily south in search of better supplies of water. Desertification has also caused a gradual abandonment of the nomadic life, as more Tuareg have become settled farmers or have moved into towns and cities. In Mali, a Tuareg Rebellion began in the Adrar N'Fughas mountains, as early as the 1960s, following Mali's independence. In May 1990, in the aftermath of a clash outside a prison in Tchin-Tabaraden, Niger, Tuaregs in both Mali and Niger claimed autonomy for their regions (Tenere, capital Agadez, in Niger and the Azawad and Kidal regions of Mali). Deadly clashes with the military of both countries followed, with deaths numbering well into the thousands. Negotiations initiated by France and Algeria led to peace agreements (January 11, 1992 in Mali and 1995 in Niger). Both agreements called for decentralization of national power and guaranteed the integration of Tuareg resistance fighters into the countries' respective national armies. Major fighting between the Tuareg resistance and government security forces ended after the 1995 and 1996 agreements, but in As of 2004, some limited fighting occurred in Niger between government forces and groups claiming to be again fighting for Tuareg independence. ==Tuareg territory== The Tuareg people inhabit a large area covering almost all the middle and western Sahara and the north-central Sahel. In Tuareg terms, the Sahara is not one desert, but many. Thus they call it Tinariwen, meaning "the deserts". Among the many deserts in north-west Africa there is the true desert Tenere. Then we can cite numerous deserts more and less arid, flat and mountainous: Adrar, Tagant, Tawat (Touat) Tanezruft, Adghagh N'Fughas, Tamasna, Azawagh, Adar, Damargu, Tagama, Manga, Ayr, Tarramit (Termit), Kawar, Jado, Tadmait, Admer, Igharghar, Ahaggar, Tassili N'Ajjer, Tadrart, Idhan, Tanghart, Fezzan, Tibesti. Kalansho, Libyan Desert, etc. ==Tuareg confederations, political centers, and leaders== At the turn of the 19th century the Tuareg country was organized into confederations, each ruled by a supreme chief (''Amenokal''), along with a counsel of senior tribesmen elected to assist the chief. *Kel Azjar or Ajjer, center Aghat (Ghat). *Kel Ahaggar, in Ahaggar mountains *Kel Adagh, or Kel Assuk, Kidal, and Tin Buktu *Iwillimmidan Kel Ataram, Manaka, and Azawagh region *Iwillimmidan Kel Denneg, In Tabaraden, Abalagh, Azawagh. *Kel Gres, Zinder and Tanut (Tanout). *Kel Ayr, Asode, Agadez, Timia and Ifrwan. The most famous Tuareg leader was a woman, Tin Hinan, heroine and spiritual leader who founded a legendary kingdom in the Ahaggar mountains. Other tribal leader followed under the name of ''Amenokal'' (chief), among the famous: *Karidanna, of the Iwillimmidan *Musa Ag Amastan, of Kel Ahaggar *Ibrahim Ag Abakkada, of Kel Azjar *Amud, of Kel Azjar *Makhammad Ag Katami, of Iwillimmidan *Balkhu, of Kel Ayr ==Culture== The Tuareg are matrilineal, though not matriarchal. Unlike many Muslim societies, the women do not traditionally wear the veil, whereas the men do. The most famous Tuareg symbol is the Tagelmust, their veil often blue indigo colored. The men's facial covering originates from the belief that such action wards off evil spirits, but most probably relates to protection against the harsh desert sands as well; in any event, it is a firmly established tradition (as is the wearing of amulets containing verses from the Qur'an). Men begin wearing a veil at age 25 which conceals their entire face excluding their eyes. This veil is never removed, even in front of family members. Traditionally, Tuareg society is hierarchal, with nobility and vassals; formerly, they also held slaves ("Iklan"), often African prisoners, darker than the generally brown-skinned Tuareg. Traditionally, the traders had a higher status than their more settled compatriots to the south. With time, that difference has eroded, corresponding to the economic fortunes of the two groups. Many Tuareg today are either settled agriculturalists or nomadic cattle breeders; there are also still blacksmiths, camel breeders, and caravan leaders. The Tuareg are sometimes called the "blue people" because of the indigo color of their robes and turbans. However, their clothes and turbans may be found in other colors. Nowadays, the ''indigo'' turban is usually used on celebration days. It tends to lose its color on the human skin. ===Language=== :''Main article: Tuareg languages'' The Tuareg speak Tuareg languages, a Berber language or set of languages with significant variations among the different regions. The language is called Tamasheq by western Tuareg, Mail, Tamahaq among Algerian and Libyan Tuareg and Tamajaq in Azawagh and Ar regions, Niger. The Tamajaq writing system, Tifinagh (also called Shifinagh), descends directly from the original Berber script used by the Numidians in pre-Roman times. ===Religion=== The Tuareg have been predominantly Islam since the 16th century, though lax in observance, more inclined to observe feasts than fasts. They combine Sunni Islam (specifically the Maliki ''madhhab'', popular in North and West Africa) with certain pre-Islamic animistic beliefs, such as the presence of spirits Kel Asuf and such religious syncretism beliefs as divination through means of the Qur'an. ===Arts=== Much Tuareg art is in the form of jewellery, leather and metal saddle decorations called 'Trik', and finely crafted swords. The Inadan community makes traditional handicrafts. Among their products are: Tanaghilt or Zakkat (the 'Agadez Cross' or 'Croix d'Agadez'); the Tuareg Takoba, a nearly one meter long sword, with red leather cover; many beautiful gold and silver-made necklaces called 'Takaza'; and earrings called 'Tizabaten'. ====Traditional Music==== Traditional Tuareg music has two major components: the moncord violin Anzad played often during night parties and a small tambour covered with goatskin called Tende, perfomed during camel race and other festivities. Another popular Tuareg musical genre is Takamba, characteristic for its Afro-Berber percussions. Tinariwen, a Tuareg band that fuses electric guitars and indigenous musical styles, was founded in the 1980s by rebel fighters. They released their first CD in 2000, and toured in Europe and the United States in 2004. Many music groups emerged after the 1980s cultural revival. Among them Tartit, Imaran and known artists are: Abdallah Oumbadougou from Ayr, Baly Othmany of Djanet. ==Ethnic Classification== The Tuareg are a Berber group, and are closely related to both Northwest African Berbers and West Africans , in terms of culture and race. At least some sources argue that the Tuareg are defined by language, not by race, and that predominantly Middle Eastern and/or Black African Tamasheq speakers qualify as "Tuareg" (and, presumably, by implication, individuals of Tuareg descent but who have assimilated into various countries and do not speak Tamasheq languages do not). (See, for example, [http://wwwusers.imaginet.fr/~yusuf/introduction.html]). This is probably part of the reason for the widely varying estimates of the number of Tuareg. ==References== * University of Iowa's Art and Life in Africa Online: Tuareg [http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/people/Tuareg.html] *Origin and History of the Tuaregs [http://tuaregs.free.fr/tuareg_e/pages/origin/origin-e_nsf.htm] *The Massacres at Tchin Tarabaden: 10 years later! [http://membres.lycos.fr/temoust/press_release7500.htm]. This press release (7 May 2000), while polemical, is useful for a pro-Tuareg view of the conflicts in Mali and Niger. * Rando et al. (1998) Mitochondrial DNA analysis of northwest African populations reveals genetic exchanges with European, near-eastern, and sub-Saharan populations. ''Annals of Human Genetics'' 62(6): 531-50; Watson et al. (1996) mtDNA sequence diversity in Africa. ''American Journal of Human Genetics'' 59(2): 437-44; Salas et al. (2002) The Making of the African mtDNA Landscape. ''American Journal of Human Genetics'' 71: 1082-1111. These are good sources for information on the genetic heritage of the Tuareg and their relatedness to other populations. ---- ''Tuareg'' is also the title of a Spanish book written by Alberto Vzquez Figueroa. ---- ''Tuareg Geeks'' is a Mexican experimental noise band. ---- VW Touareg is also the brand name of a Volkswagen car. ---- [http://www-rocq.inria.fr/~acohen/tuareg/ Tuareg] is also an Emacs mode for programming in Ocaml. Presumably the name was chosen as a pun on ''camel''. ==External links== * [http://www.agadez-niger.com Maps of Niger, pictures of Agadez, Tuaregs, and handcraft from Niger; also a forum] (in French) Berber Sahara Algeria Libya Mali Niger Ethnic groups of Africa Indigenous peoples of West Africa
== My favorite films == * Charlie Chaplin * Shrek
I've brought in material from the Italian and German and reorganized the article to follow Wikipedia:WikiProject Ethnic Groups Template. However, this still deserves a lot more work. -- User:Jmabel 03:07, 17 Feb 2004 (UTC) ...some of which I've now done. -- User:Jmabel 01:16, 18 Feb 2004 (UTC) Anonymous additions roughly 25-28 March 2004 look plausible, if sometimes ungrammatical, but no references are cited at all. I would expect this material is more accurate than not, but on a topic where there is much contradictory information on the web, this mass of information without citations worries me a little. -- User:Jmabel 00:33, 29 Mar 2004 (UTC) In any case, I am going about cleaning it up grammatically, insofar as I can make sense of it. This article could really use a going-over by someone knowledgable, and this new material could use some decent citation of sources. -- User:Jmabel 23:53, 30 Mar 2004 (UTC) I have pulled the following out of the article, pending citation: :Important remark is to know that: Tamajaq, Tamasheq, Tamahaq, sometimes spelled Tamashek, all these are local names form the same Tuareg language. Therefore the Tuareg people are: Kel Tamajaq, Kel Tamasheq.., the ones who speak Tamajaq language. Obviously, "Important remark is to know that" is not how an encyclopedia should read, but the reason I've pulled this is that there is no source cited and the generally reliable http://www.ethnologue.com seems to consider these distinct dialects. I do not know the facts of the matter, but would like to see a citation if an equivalent statement is to be restored to the article, contradicting ethnologue.com. -- User:Jmabel 00:09, 31 Mar 2004 (UTC) They are mutually comprehensible; cf. Karl-G. Prasse, who regards them as a single language. However, while he is vastly more authoritative than the Ethnologue, there is no doubt room for dispute; there almost always is with distant dialects/closely related languages. - User:Mustafaa 00:13, 28 Oct 2004 (UTC) ==Map== I've created a map of the area where Tuaregs live. Sources are Sudlow 2001, Lhote 1984 en Bernus 1996. It is a beta version, please tell me what you think. - User:Mark Dingemanse User Talk:Mark Dingemanse 12:29, 26 Oct 2004 (UTC) I'd recaption it as "areas where significant numbers of Tuaregs live"; I think it's useful, but the precise lines are liable to prove controversial. -- User:Jmabel | User talk:Jmabel 20:20, Oct 26, 2004 (UTC) Indeed, my sources all differ from each other. That's why I hatched it and didn't give it an outline. As for the recaptioning, good idea. - User:Mark Dingemanse User Talk:Mark Dingemanse 20:47, 26 Oct 2004 (UTC) (map is now in article) -- User:Jmabel | User talk:Jmabel 00:03, Oct 28, 2004 (UTC) == Indigenous peoples category == I should like to add a few comments and references in support of my proposal to assign the category :Category:Indigenous peoples (actually its appropriate regional sub-category) to this entry. First of all, I acknowledge that the term ''indigenous peoples'' itself is open to a variety of interpretations, uses and misuses. However, there is a specific, well-documented and frequent usage intended here, and I have attempted to circumvent some of this confusion at some indigenous-related pages - please refer to these: *Firstly, at the main indigenous peoples article itself, by explicitly refining and correlating the definition to those documented by recognised international bodies, governments and indigenous representatives; *Secondly, at the :Category:Indigenous peoples page, where I have attempted to define just what is meant by the category, reasons why the category can be considered a valid one, and proposed criteria by which to ascertain potential members of the category. See in particular the Category talk:Indigenous peoples page for a more complete exposition. Without fully recounting these, the notion and term ''indigenous peoples'' has a valid, contemporary usage in national and trans-national social, academic and political contexts. As such, it is a notable feature of human society, study and politics, and therefore worthy of encyclopaedic mention in Wikipedia, particularly insofar as it can add to the overall understanding of a relevant people, state, event, and history. Many different groups are identified or seek to be identified as indigenous (or some other locally-used cognate term), many publications and studies concern themselves with indigenous issues, and many governments acknowledge (even if partially) or are under persuasion to acknowledge the indigenous identity and claims of some of their peoples in their legal and regulatory instruments. This is not to say that all such claims are equally recognised, universally held or supported. Even so, where substantiated (ie, noted in independent sources) claims are made but disputed by some other sector of the population or government in question, they may still rightly be noted in WP. It is also somewhat irrelevant what one's own views may be on the validity or otherwise of a people's indigenous status - what matters is whether in the "real world" this debate takes place or not, and where events and entities in the real world concern indigenous affairs, WP may cover this - under its NPOV & other guidelines, of course. The utility of having a category on indigenous peoples is that it is a method which will facilitate comparative study between and of the various peoples for whom the claim to indigenous status is made. Of course, not every single ethnicity or ethno-stub will warrant such a claim; indigenous peoples are rather a subset of ethnic groups if you like, and categorisation as indigenous will not interfere with any other category scheme, but rather complement them. Note in particular that ''indigenous'' does not mean ''the very first peoples who inhabited a land'', but rather that the peoples' current context and relation to the wider society means that they, organisations and perhaps governments are motivated to assert their rights to practise and observe at least some of their own ways and traditions in their territories, without being totally subsumed into an overall, externally-imposed identity. Now, as per the criteria documented on the Category page, to overcome difficulties and POV-based judgements on whether or not any particular group ought to be associated with an indigenous status, it should be necessary to seek and provide external and notable references to demonstrate that indigenous affairs and issues play at least a part in that group's status and interactions. In the case of the Tuareg, these are the references I used: *[http://www.ipaac.org.za/westafrica.asp Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee] This recognised organisation of African indigenous peoples is active in coordinating issues for various groups, negotiating with governments, and the like. Tuareg individuals hold regional representative posts for the organisation. In its section on West Africa, they note: **''Groups claiming indigenous status include the Tuareg, Bororo, Wodaabe, Tubu (Teda and Daza) and Mbororo...The claim for collective rights as indigenous peoples arises from the marginalisation of Saharan nomads, first under colonialism and then later by independent states, all of which are dominated by sedentary agricultural peoples living in the South...Following a new census, Nigeriens are acknowledging that the Tuareg are the second largest ethnic group in the country. Niger conducted long delayed democratic elections in 2004. There are now Tuareg controlled councils in more than 10 communes. The challenge for Niger nomads and agricultural peoples is how to find common ground to work together...Tuareg nomads from Mali and Burkina participated in CIDA sponsored follow ups on the World Summit on the Information Society in Ottawa *[http://www.hri.ca/fortherecord2002/documentation/commission/e-cn4-2002-97-add1.htm 2002 UN Report of the Special Rapporteur] on indigenous issues. Tuareg and other west and north African peoples have made frequent representations to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and other bodies. This is but one example, an extract from which reads: **' Case 12. In several North African countries (mainly Algeria and Morocco), the Amazigh people (also referred to as Kabyles, Touareg and Berbers), who consider themselves as indigenous to these countries, have been asking for official recognition of their language, culture and identity, as well as the full enjoyment of their civil and political rights (Communications addressed to the Special Rapporteur, Geneva, July 2001). After a rebellion in 1990, which actually started in Niger, the Touareg of Mali entered into a peace treaty with the Government in 1991, followed by one in 1992, to allow them regional self-governance and internal democracy, enabling the Government to grant autonomy to the northern areas of the country occupied by the Touareg. **' Case 13. While in Africa there is no consensus on the use of the term "indigenous", the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has argued for the protection of the human rights of specific sectors of the population... The African Commission argued that "language is an integral part of the structure of culture; it in fact constitutes its pillar and means of expression par excellence. Its usage enriches the individual and enables him to take an active part in the community and in its activities. To deprive a man of such participation amounts to depriving him of his identity …". *[http://www.redasociativa.org/dosorillas/?q=node/view/614 submission to 3rd Session of UNPFII] from association of Amazigh organisations, which requested: **'' ...[intercession] with the governments of North Africa and the Sahel to bring them to respect the fundamental rights of the Amazigh indigenous people by acknowledging their identity and their culture, and to take constitutional and institutional responsibility for the Amazigh language as an official national language'' **'' ...[intercession] with the government of Algeria in order to put an end to the crisis in Kabylia, which has existed since April 2001, by undertaking the claims of the Kabyle popular movement, as well as those of the populations of the Touaregs and Aures regions'' **'' ...[intercession] with the governments of North Africa and the Sahel against forced settlements of the Tuareg people under the pretext of the fight against terrorism.'' **'' ...[intercession] with the governments of Niger to take necessary steps to ward off possible health risks of the Tuareg people caused by uranium operations at the Arlit mine.'' There are a few others, but this will do for now. In short(!), I maintain that (a)''indigenous peoples'' is a useful and valid category, and (b) the Tuareg warrant inclusion in this category.--User:CJLL Wright | User talk:CJLL Wright 09:03, 2005 Jun 22 (UTC) As a postscript, I will be away/offline the next few days, so will be happy to continue any discussion upon my return, probably sometime mid next week.--User:CJLL Wright | User talk:CJLL Wright 09:17, 2005 Jun 22 (UTC) : OK. I'm still doubtful about a. - I regard this term's use in most contexts, especially that of the Tuareg, as essentially political propaganda, little different from the use of words like "terrorist" or "freedom fighter", both of which have widespread international usage - but I'll grant that you have established b. - User:Mustafaa 19:06, 22 Jun 2005 (UTC)
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Tuareg
The Tuareg are a Berber ethnic group or nation. They call themselves Kel Tamasheq, Kel Tamajaq ("speakers of Tamasheq"), Imouhar, ''Imuhagh'', or Imashaghen ("the free"). The Tuareg people also identify themselves with the word ''Tamust'', the nation. The meaning of the word Tuareg has been long discussed. It may have come from a Libyan region known today as Fezzan, but once called Targa. The Arabic word "Targui", for Tuareg, may have derived from the Targa valley, the main city Ubari west of Sebha. Alternatively, Tuareg may have come from a Bedouin pronunciation of the Arabic language Tawariq ("abandoned by God", singular Tarqi). The Tuareg today are found mostly in West Africa, but, like many in Northern Africa, were once nomads throughout the Sahara. ==History== Descended from Berbers in the region that is now Libya, the Tuareg were an identifiable nomadic people in the Sahara at the time of Herodotus, who mentions the ancient Libyan people, the Garamantes. Archaeological testimony is the ruins of Germa, the modern Tuareg descended from the Garamantes. Later, they expanded into the Sahel. Tuareg merchants were long responsible for luxury trade and Slave_trade_in_Africa connecting the great cities on the southern edge of the Sahara via five desert trade routes to the northern (Mediterranean) coast of Africa. Before the French colonisation, Tuaregs used to enslave West Africans, either to sell them or to use them for domestic purposes; those who were not sold were usually assimilated into the Tuareg community. When the French abolished slavery in its colonies, it affected Tuaregs' way of life and many had to abandon their nomadic life for an urban one. In the Nineteenth Century, they resisted France colonization of what is now Mali and Niger, with Mali signing a peace treaty in 1905 and Niger only in 1917. During this period the French entered southern Algeria. The Ahaggar Tuareg, led by the Amenokal, traditional chief Moussa Ag Amastan, fought many battles against the French, before the region became finally a French protectorate. Before being dismantled by the French, the traditional Tuareg country was organized into a loose confederation. Each of the main groups had a traditional leader called Amenokal, along with an assembly of tribal chiefs: ''Imgharan'', singular ''Amghar''. The groups were: Kel-Ahaggar, Ajjer, Kel-Ayr, Adrar N'Fughas, Iwellemidan, Kel Gres. Following the independence of African states in 1960s, the Tuareg territory was divided between the new states: Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso. Their long-standing conflict with other African tribes has been much exacerbated in the last century, as desertification has forced then steadily south in search of better supplies of water. Desertification has also caused a gradual abandonment of the nomadic life, as more Tuareg have become settled farmers or have moved into towns and cities. In Mali, a Tuareg Rebellion began in the Adrar N'Fughas mountains, as early as the 1960s, following Mali's independence. In May 1990, in the aftermath of a clash outside a prison in Tchin-Tabaraden, Niger, Tuaregs in both Mali and Niger claimed autonomy for their regions (Tenere, capital Agadez, in Niger and the Azawad and Kidal regions of Mali). Deadly clashes with the military of both countries followed, with deaths numbering well into the thousands. Negotiations initiated by France and Algeria led to peace agreements (January 11, 1992 in Mali and 1995 in Niger). Both agreements called for decentralization of national power and guaranteed the integration of Tuareg resistance fighters into the countries' respective national armies. Major fighting between the Tuareg resistance and government security forces ended after the 1995 and 1996 agreements, but in As of 2004, some limited fighting occurred in Niger between government forces and groups claiming to be again fighting for Tuareg independence. ==Tuareg territory== The Tuareg people inhabit a large area covering almost all the middle and western Sahara and the north-central Sahel. In Tuareg terms, the Sahara is not one desert, but many. Thus they call it Tinariwen, meaning "the deserts". Among the many deserts in north-west Africa there is the true desert Tenere. Then we can cite numerous deserts more and less arid, flat and mountainous: Adrar, Tagant, Tawat (Touat) Tanezruft, Adghagh N'Fughas, Tamasna, Azawagh, Adar, Damargu, Tagama, Manga, Ayr, Tarramit (Termit), Kawar, Jado, Tadmait, Admer, Igharghar, Ahaggar, Tassili N'Ajjer, Tadrart, Idhan, Tanghart, Fezzan, Tibesti. Kalansho, Libyan Desert, etc. ==Tuareg confederations, political centers, and leaders== At the turn of the 19th century the Tuareg country was organized into confederations, each ruled by a supreme chief (''Amenokal''), along with a counsel of senior tribesmen elected to assist the chief. *Kel Azjar or Ajjer, center Aghat (Ghat). *Kel Ahaggar, in Ahaggar mountains *Kel Adagh, or Kel Assuk, Kidal, and Tin Buktu *Iwillimmidan Kel Ataram, Manaka, and Azawagh region *Iwillimmidan Kel Denneg, In Tabaraden, Abalagh, Azawagh. *Kel Gres, Zinder and Tanut (Tanout). *Kel Ayr, Asode, Agadez, Timia and Ifrwan. The most famous Tuareg leader was a woman, Tin Hinan, heroine and spiritual leader who founded a legendary kingdom in the Ahaggar mountains. Other tribal leader followed under the name of ''Amenokal'' (chief), among the famous: *Karidanna, of the Iwillimmidan *Musa Ag Amastan, of Kel Ahaggar *Ibrahim Ag Abakkada, of Kel Azjar *Amud, of Kel Azjar *Makhammad Ag Katami, of Iwillimmidan *Balkhu, of Kel Ayr ==Culture== The Tuareg are matrilineal, though not matriarchal. Unlike many Muslim societies, the women do not traditionally wear the veil, whereas the men do. The most famous Tuareg symbol is the Tagelmust, their veil often blue indigo colored. The men's facial covering originates from the belief that such action wards off evil spirits, but most probably relates to protection against the harsh desert sands as well; in any event, it is a firmly established tradition (as is the wearing of amulets containing verses from the Qur'an). Men begin wearing a veil at age 25 which conceals their entire face excluding their eyes. This veil is never removed, even in front of family members. Traditionally, Tuareg society is hierarchal, with nobility and vassals; formerly, they also held slaves ("Iklan"), often African prisoners, darker than the generally brown-skinned Tuareg. Traditionally, the traders had a higher status than their more settled compatriots to the south. With time, that difference has eroded, corresponding to the economic fortunes of the two groups. Many Tuareg today are either settled agriculturalists or nomadic cattle breeders; there are also still blacksmiths, camel breeders, and caravan leaders. The Tuareg are sometimes called the "blue people" because of the indigo color of their robes and turbans. However, their clothes and turbans may be found in other colors. Nowadays, the ''indigo'' turban is usually used on celebration days. It tends to lose its color on the human skin. ===Language=== :''Main article: Tuareg languages'' The Tuareg speak Tuareg languages, a Berber language or set of languages with significant variations among the different regions. The language is called Tamasheq by western Tuareg, Mail, Tamahaq among Algerian and Libyan Tuareg and Tamajaq in Azawagh and Ar regions, Niger. The Tamajaq writing system, Tifinagh (also called Shifinagh), descends directly from the original Berber script used by the Numidians in pre-Roman times. ===Religion=== The Tuareg have been predominantly Islam since the 16th century, though lax in observance, more inclined to observe feasts than fasts. They combine Sunni Islam (specifically the Maliki ''madhhab'', popular in North and West Africa) with certain pre-Islamic animistic beliefs, such as the presence of spirits Kel Asuf and such religious syncretism beliefs as divination through means of the Qur'an. ===Arts=== Much Tuareg art is in the form of jewellery, leather and metal saddle decorations called 'Trik', and finely crafted swords. The Inadan community makes traditional handicrafts. Among their products are: Tanaghilt or Zakkat (the 'Agadez Cross' or 'Croix d'Agadez'); the Tuareg Takoba, a nearly one meter long sword, with red leather cover; many beautiful gold and silver-made necklaces called 'Takaza'; and earrings called 'Tizabaten'. ====Traditional Music==== Traditional Tuareg music has two major components: the moncord violin Anzad played often during night parties and a small tambour covered with goatskin called Tende, perfomed during camel race and other festivities. Another popular Tuareg musical genre is Takamba, characteristic for its Afro-Berber percussions. Tinariwen, a Tuareg band that fuses electric guitars and indigenous musical styles, was founded in the 1980s by rebel fighters. They released their first CD in 2000, and toured in Europe and the United States in 2004. Many music groups emerged after the 1980s cultural revival. Among them Tartit, Imaran and known artists are: Abdallah Oumbadougou from Ayr, Baly Othmany of Djanet. ==Ethnic Classification== The Tuareg are a Berber group, and are closely related to both Northwest African Berbers and West Africans , in terms of culture and race. At least some sources argue that the Tuareg are defined by language, not by race, and that predominantly Middle Eastern and/or Black African Tamasheq speakers qualify as "Tuareg" (and, presumably, by implication, individuals of Tuareg descent but who have assimilated into various countries and do not speak Tamasheq languages do not). (See, for example, [http://wwwusers.imaginet.fr/~yusuf/introduction.html]). This is probably part of the reason for the widely varying estimates of the number of Tuareg. ==References== * University of Iowa's Art and Life in Africa Online: Tuareg [http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/people/Tuareg.html] *Origin and History of the Tuaregs [http://tuaregs.free.fr/tuareg_e/pages/origin/origin-e_nsf.htm] *The Massacres at Tchin Tarabaden: 10 years later! [http://membres.lycos.fr/temoust/press_release7500.htm]. This press release (7 May 2000), while polemical, is useful for a pro-Tuareg view of the conflicts in Mali and Niger. * Rando et al. (1998) Mitochondrial DNA analysis of northwest African populations reveals genetic exchanges with European, near-eastern, and sub-Saharan populations. ''Annals of Human Genetics'' 62(6): 531-50; Watson et al. (1996) mtDNA sequence diversity in Africa. ''American Journal of Human Genetics'' 59(2): 437-44; Salas et al. (2002) The Making of the African mtDNA Landscape. ''American Journal of Human Genetics'' 71: 1082-1111. These are good sources for information on the genetic heritage of the Tuareg and their relatedness to other populations. ---- ''Tuareg'' is also the title of a Spanish book written by Alberto Vzquez Figueroa. ---- ''Tuareg Geeks'' is a Mexican experimental noise band. ---- VW Touareg is also the brand name of a Volkswagen car. ---- [http://www-rocq.inria.fr/~acohen/tuareg/ Tuareg] is also an Emacs mode for programming in Ocaml. Presumably the name was chosen as a pun on ''camel''. ==External links== * [http://www.agadez-niger.com Maps of Niger, pictures of Agadez, Tuaregs, and handcraft from Niger; also a forum] (in French) Berber Sahara Algeria Libya Mali Niger Ethnic groups of Africa Indigenous peoples of West Africa
Tuareg
== My favorite films == * Charlie Chaplin * Shrek
Tuareg
I've brought in material from the Italian and German and reorganized the article to follow Wikipedia:WikiProject Ethnic Groups Template. However, this still deserves a lot more work. -- User:Jmabel 03:07, 17 Feb 2004 (UTC) ...some of which I've now done. -- User:Jmabel 01:16, 18 Feb 2004 (UTC) Anonymous additions roughly 25-28 March 2004 look plausible, if sometimes ungrammatical, but no references are cited at all. I would expect this material is more accurate than not, but on a topic where there is much contradictory information on the web, this mass of information without citations worries me a little. -- User:Jmabel 00:33, 29 Mar 2004 (UTC) In any case, I am going about cleaning it up grammatically, insofar as I can make sense of it. This article could really use a going-over by someone knowledgable, and this new material could use some decent citation of sources. -- User:Jmabel 23:53, 30 Mar 2004 (UTC) I have pulled the following out of the article, pending citation: :Important remark is to know that: Tamajaq, Tamasheq, Tamahaq, sometimes spelled Tamashek, all these are local names form the same Tuareg language. Therefore the Tuareg people are: Kel Tamajaq, Kel Tamasheq.., the ones who speak Tamajaq language. Obviously, "Important remark is to know that" is not how an encyclopedia should read, but the reason I've pulled this is that there is no source cited and the generally reliable http://www.ethnologue.com seems to consider these distinct dialects. I do not know the facts of the matter, but would like to see a citation if an equivalent statement is to be restored to the article, contradicting ethnologue.com. -- User:Jmabel 00:09, 31 Mar 2004 (UTC) They are mutually comprehensible; cf. Karl-G. Prasse, who regards them as a single language. However, while he is vastly more authoritative than the Ethnologue, there is no doubt room for dispute; there almost always is with distant dialects/closely related languages. - User:Mustafaa 00:13, 28 Oct 2004 (UTC) ==Map== I've created a map of the area where Tuaregs live. Sources are Sudlow 2001, Lhote 1984 en Bernus 1996. It is a beta version, please tell me what you think. - User:Mark Dingemanse User Talk:Mark Dingemanse 12:29, 26 Oct 2004 (UTC) I'd recaption it as "areas where significant numbers of Tuaregs live"; I think it's useful, but the precise lines are liable to prove controversial. -- User:Jmabel | User talk:Jmabel 20:20, Oct 26, 2004 (UTC) Indeed, my sources all differ from each other. That's why I hatched it and didn't give it an outline. As for the recaptioning, good idea. - User:Mark Dingemanse User Talk:Mark Dingemanse 20:47, 26 Oct 2004 (UTC) (map is now in article) -- User:Jmabel | User talk:Jmabel 00:03, Oct 28, 2004 (UTC) == Indigenous peoples category == I should like to add a few comments and references in support of my proposal to assign the category :Category:Indigenous peoples (actually its appropriate regional sub-category) to this entry. First of all, I acknowledge that the term ''indigenous peoples'' itself is open to a variety of interpretations, uses and misuses. However, there is a specific, well-documented and frequent usage intended here, and I have attempted to circumvent some of this confusion at some indigenous-related pages - please refer to these: *Firstly, at the main indigenous peoples article itself, by explicitly refining and correlating the definition to those documented by recognised international bodies, governments and indigenous representatives; *Secondly, at the :Category:Indigenous peoples page, where I have attempted to define just what is meant by the category, reasons why the category can be considered a valid one, and proposed criteria by which to ascertain potential members of the category. See in particular the Category talk:Indigenous peoples page for a more complete exposition. Without fully recounting these, the notion and term ''indigenous peoples'' has a valid, contemporary usage in national and trans-national social, academic and political contexts. As such, it is a notable feature of human society, study and politics, and therefore worthy of encyclopaedic mention in Wikipedia, particularly insofar as it can add to the overall understanding of a relevant people, state, event, and history. Many different groups are identified or seek to be identified as indigenous (or some other locally-used cognate term), many publications and studies concern themselves with indigenous issues, and many governments acknowledge (even if partially) or are under persuasion to acknowledge the indigenous identity and claims of some of their peoples in their legal and regulatory instruments. This is not to say that all such claims are equally recognised, universally held or supported. Even so, where substantiated (ie, noted in independent sources) claims are made but disputed by some other sector of the population or government in question, they may still rightly be noted in WP. It is also somewhat irrelevant what one's own views may be on the validity or otherwise of a people's indigenous status - what matters is whether in the "real world" this debate takes place or not, and where events and entities in the real world concern indigenous affairs, WP may cover this - under its NPOV & other guidelines, of course. The utility of having a category on indigenous peoples is that it is a method which will facilitate comparative study between and of the various peoples for whom the claim to indigenous status is made. Of course, not every single ethnicity or ethno-stub will warrant such a claim; indigenous peoples are rather a subset of ethnic groups if you like, and categorisation as indigenous will not interfere with any other category scheme, but rather complement them. Note in particular that ''indigenous'' does not mean ''the very first peoples who inhabited a land'', but rather that the peoples' current context and relation to the wider society means that they, organisations and perhaps governments are motivated to assert their rights to practise and observe at least some of their own ways and traditions in their territories, without being totally subsumed into an overall, externally-imposed identity. Now, as per the criteria documented on the Category page, to overcome difficulties and POV-based judgements on whether or not any particular group ought to be associated with an indigenous status, it should be necessary to seek and provide external and notable references to demonstrate that indigenous affairs and issues play at least a part in that group's status and interactions. In the case of the Tuareg, these are the references I used: *[http://www.ipaac.org.za/westafrica.asp Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee] This recognised organisation of African indigenous peoples is active in coordinating issues for various groups, negotiating with governments, and the like. Tuareg individuals hold regional representative posts for the organisation. In its section on West Africa, they note: **''Groups claiming indigenous status include the Tuareg, Bororo, Wodaabe, Tubu (Teda and Daza) and Mbororo...The claim for collective rights as indigenous peoples arises from the marginalisation of Saharan nomads, first under colonialism and then later by independent states, all of which are dominated by sedentary agricultural peoples living in the South...Following a new census, Nigeriens are acknowledging that the Tuareg are the second largest ethnic group in the country. Niger conducted long delayed democratic elections in 2004. There are now Tuareg controlled councils in more than 10 communes. The challenge for Niger nomads and agricultural peoples is how to find common ground to work together...Tuareg nomads from Mali and Burkina participated in CIDA sponsored follow ups on the World Summit on the Information Society in Ottawa *[http://www.hri.ca/fortherecord2002/documentation/commission/e-cn4-2002-97-add1.htm 2002 UN Report of the Special Rapporteur] on indigenous issues. Tuareg and other west and north African peoples have made frequent representations to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and other bodies. This is but one example, an extract from which reads: **' Case 12. In several North African countries (mainly Algeria and Morocco), the Amazigh people (also referred to as Kabyles, Touareg and Berbers), who consider themselves as indigenous to these countries, have been asking for official recognition of their language, culture and identity, as well as the full enjoyment of their civil and political rights (Communications addressed to the Special Rapporteur, Geneva, July 2001). After a rebellion in 1990, which actually started in Niger, the Touareg of Mali entered into a peace treaty with the Government in 1991, followed by one in 1992, to allow them regional self-governance and internal democracy, enabling the Government to grant autonomy to the northern areas of the country occupied by the Touareg. **' Case 13. While in Africa there is no consensus on the use of the term "indigenous", the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has argued for the protection of the human rights of specific sectors of the population... The African Commission argued that "language is an integral part of the structure of culture; it in fact constitutes its pillar and means of expression par excellence. Its usage enriches the individual and enables him to take an active part in the community and in its activities. To deprive a man of such participation amounts to depriving him of his identity …". *[http://www.redasociativa.org/dosorillas/?q=node/view/614 submission to 3rd Session of UNPFII] from association of Amazigh organisations, which requested: **'' ...[intercession] with the governments of North Africa and the Sahel to bring them to respect the fundamental rights of the Amazigh indigenous people by acknowledging their identity and their culture, and to take constitutional and institutional responsibility for the Amazigh language as an official national language'' **'' ...[intercession] with the government of Algeria in order to put an end to the crisis in Kabylia, which has existed since April 2001, by undertaking the claims of the Kabyle popular movement, as well as those of the populations of the Touaregs and Aures regions'' **'' ...[intercession] with the governments of North Africa and the Sahel against forced settlements of the Tuareg people under the pretext of the fight against terrorism.'' **'' ...[intercession] with the governments of Niger to take necessary steps to ward off possible health risks of the Tuareg people caused by uranium operations at the Arlit mine.'' There are a few others, but this will do for now. In short(!), I maintain that (a)''indigenous peoples'' is a useful and valid category, and (b) the Tuareg warrant inclusion in this category.--User:CJLL Wright | User talk:CJLL Wright 09:03, 2005 Jun 22 (UTC) As a postscript, I will be away/offline the next few days, so will be happy to continue any discussion upon my return, probably sometime mid next week.--User:CJLL Wright | User talk:CJLL Wright 09:17, 2005 Jun 22 (UTC) : OK. I'm still doubtful about a. - I regard this term's use in most contexts, especially that of the Tuareg, as essentially political propaganda, little different from the use of words like "terrorist" or "freedom fighter", both of which have widespread international usage - but I'll grant that you have established b. - User:Mustafaa 19:06, 22 Jun 2005 (UTC)
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T
TA | TB | TC | TD | TE | TF | TG | TH | TI | TJ | TK | TL | TŁ | TM | TN | TO | TP | TR | TS | TU | TW | TX | TY | TZ |Words begining with Tuareg:
Tuareg
Tuareg
Tuareg
Tuaregs
Tuareg_Geeks
Tuareg_Geeks
Tuareg_language
Tuareg_languages
Tuareg_languages
Tuareg_languages/to_do
Tuareg_music
Tuareg_Rebellion
Tuareg_Sloughi
Tuareg_sloughi
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