Iznasen

Moroccan Rifian Arabized Berber tribe containing a minority of Arab sub-fractions not of Berber origin
(Redirected from Iznasen (Berber tribe))

The Iznassen (Berber: ⴰⵜ ⵉⵣⵏⴰⵙⵙⵏ) or At Iznassen or Beni Znassen or Beni-Snassen (Singular : Aznass) is a great historical confederation of Berber zenati tribes originating from the north-east Morocco, in the provinces of Oujda, Berkane and Taourirt; the largest one in Eastern Morocco.

Beni Znassen mountains
Iznassen flag
Iznassen region

History change

The Iznassen are Berber but Arabized, that is to say that they are of Berber origin but speak mainly only Arabic. They nevertheless include a minority of Arab fractions.

The Iznassen are divided into 4 Berber tribes :

  • Ayt Khaled
  • Ayt Menqouch
  • Ayt 'Atiq
  • Ayt Ourimech

Etymology change

Iznassen in the Berber Zenati language is the plural of “Aznass” which is made of “Azn” meaning “Send” and “Ass” meaning “The Day”. Iznassen literally means "Those who send (during) the Day".

Layout change

The 4 tribes of Yat Iznassen

  • Yat Khaled
    • Yat el Ghazi
    • Yat Taghejirt
    • Yat Drar
  • Yat Menqouch
    • Yat Ali ou Ammas
    • Ahl Sefrou
    • Bessara
    • Yat Mimoun
    • Yat Khellouf
  • Ayt 'Atiq
    • Tghasrout
    • Yat 'Ali U Yassin
    • Yat Amiyer
    • Yat Hammad
    • Tazaghine
    • Yat Moussi La'tach
    • Yat Moussi Rwa
    • Yat Mimoun
    • Yat Bouya'la
  • Yat Ourimech
    • Yat Bou 'Abdoussayed
    • Yat 'Ali Chbab
    • Yat Abbou
    • Yat Tagma
    • Yat Nouga
    • Yat Mahiou

Language change

The east of Morocco has many different languages. Beni Iznasen has both Arabic-speaking and Berber-speaking political groups. Bilingualism sometimes occurs, mainly in the older generations. The younger generations usually only speak Arabic.

Arabic change

The Arabic dialect of eastern Morocco is the so-called Hilali dialect. It is similar to the dialects of Marrakech and Casablanca. It is different to the urban (pre-Hilali) dialects of Fes and the north of Morocco. This Arabic dialect also is similar to the dialect of western Algeria (Tlemcen), which borders the Beni Iznasen area.

Berber change

Those who speak the most Berber are the older generations of the Ait Iznassen people. The Berber dialect of eastern Morocco is almost similair to East Riffian and the Berber of Beni Snous tribe near Tlemcen in Algeria.

Since the Berber language was made an official language of Morocco in 2011, schools are now teaching the language to new generations.

Personalities change

Personalities who are born or originally from the Beni Snassen region.

Sports change

Hicham El Guerrouj - Olympian, World Record Fastest Mile

Hakim Ziyech - Footballer Chelsea, 2022 World Cup Morocco Team

Lahssen Akhmiss - Footballer

Abdelkader El Brazi - Footballer

Mohammed Berrabeh - Footballer

Ahmed Talbi - Footballer

Abdelkader Wahabi - Boxer

Politicians & Diplomats change

Abbas Al Fassi - Prime Minister (2007), Minister of Housing (1977-1981), Minister of Handicraft and Social Affairs (1981-1985), Ambassador to Tunisia (1985-1990), Ambassador to France (1990-1994).

Mbarek Bekai - First Prime Minister of Morocco (1955-1958)

Anis Birou - Secretary of State (2007-2012)

Abdeladim El Guerrouj - Minister Deleguate for Public Services

Business change

Fouzi Lekja - President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Businessman.

Mohammed Hamdi - Dutch Sports CEO - ADO Den Haag - International Director Feyenoord Rotterdam