

The Maghreb

The Maghreb is a region defined by its deep historical roots and cultural layers. From the ancient Amazigh kingdoms that shaped its early identity, to the Arab, Andalusian, and later French influences, this geography has long been a meeting point for civilizations. It is a region that speaks in many voices, where every corner tells a story—from the poetry of Malika Mokkedem that captures the essence of Algeria’s complex history, to Zineb Sedira’s art, which navigates the intersections of memory, migration, and identity. Music, too, has been a powerful force, with bands like Nass El Ghiwane transforming Moroccan musical traditions into a form of social and political expression that resonated across the Arab world during the 20th century. These are the voices that carry the weight of the Maghreb’s history, and they continue to echo in the modern struggles for social justice, women’s rights, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Historically, the Maghreb has also stood at the heart of anti-colonial activism. The struggle for independence from French colonial rule, particularly in Algeria, was a defining moment not just for the region but for the wider Arab world. The resilience of the Algerian revolution, the courage of Tunisian nationalists, and the anti-colonial art and literature that emerged from Morocco and Libya ignited broader movements across Africa and the Arab world. These efforts were not only about the political liberation of these nations but also about reclaiming cultural identity, with writers like Kateb Yacine and filmmakers like Mohamed Lakhdar-Hamina using their work as weapons in the fight for freedom. This revolutionary spirit continues to shape the Maghreb today, as the region grapples with the challenges of modernity while maintaining a fierce commitment to its cultural heritage and social progress. In this edition, we delve into the Maghreb’s vibrant past and its ongoing transformation, exploring how its history of colonial resistance and artistic innovation shapes its present. From the revolutionary fervor that fueled Tunisia’s 2011 uprising to the ongoing efforts to preserve Amazigh culture in Morocco and Algeria, the Maghreb remains a region on the move. Our featured works, from literature and film to travel recommendations, give a glimpse into the essence of this dynamic region—where the ancient medinas of Fez and Algiers stand as living testaments to a rich past, while the vastness of the Sahara represents both a place of solitude and a canvas for new cultural expressions.


In My Bed
Habiba Msika
A bold icon of the early 20th-century Nahda, Msika challenged social norms through music and theater. Born in Tunisia and mentored by her aunt, singer Leila Sfez, she captivated audiences with her defiant artistry. With a devoted fanbase, she became a celebrated sex symbol and cultural rebel, living lavishly while embracing independence.

L'École de Tunis shaped post-independence Tunisian art, defining “Tunisianity” in modernity. It began as Le Groupe des Dix, whose 1948 advocacy led to a law funding public art.
Tunisia has long been at the forefront of women's rights in the region. This section will spotlight someTunisiennes that you should know about.

Tsawwar... Soufian Chemcham
“This photograph is part of a series called ‘Nightbound Chronicles’ which captures a nightly routine I share with my friends: staying up late isn’t just a habit or a choice but a necessity due to lack of privacy in our parents’ homes. What started as spontaneous shots taken with a phone evolved into a project documenting our late-night hangouts where we spend talking and unwinding. This shot captures a fleeting moment after the drug police left: tension lingers in the air, a sharp contrast to the usual calm of our late-night gatherings.”

Listen, Read, Watch: Algeria
Recommended by the afikra community


Pioneering Moroccan Aïta Music
Haja El Hamdaouia
This Moroccan singer modernized Aïta and Chaabi music by blending traditional melodies with contemporary instruments. Her powerful voice and iconic songs, like Daba Yiji, Piti Majiti, and Hna Mada Bina left a lasting influence on Moroccan music.

A Tunisian Mixtape by Pan-J
afikra Quartertones Mixtape
Cheb Mimo: Journey Into Raï
afikra Quartertones Mixtape

Listen, Read, Watch: Morocco
Recommended by the afikra community
Tsawwar... Jinane Ennasri
“This photograph is from my ongoing series 'Hess L'bled' where I explore my birth country and capture moments that really resonate with me. It was shot in Casablanca in a neighborhood called Sidi Moumen: an area I was advised numerous times not to visit due to safety reasons. It sparked my interest regardless – I wanted to know for myself what was so 'unsafe' about Sidi Moumen. I was met with kindness from young children and shyness from the older generation because of my camera. I walked through the neighborhood reluctant to wind it and start shooting. I was looking for some sort of interaction with the locals. It wasn't until I came across two young boys sitting in front of their home when I asked, 'Where do you guys normally play foot?' To which they respond: 'Everywhere'.”

Books on Decolonization, Nation-building & Culture in North Africa
Recommended by Idriss Jebari
Books on North African History Through an Amazigh Lens
Recommended by Brahim El Guabli
Must-Read Books From North Africa
Recommended by the afikra Community

This edition’s featured artist
Anuar Khalifi is a self-taught Spanish-Moroccan artist born in 1977 in Lloret de Mar, Spain, and based between Barcelona and Tangier. His vibrant, richly detailed paintings explore themes of identity, duality, diaspora, Orientalism, colonialism, extremism, and consumerist society. Blending fact and fiction to confront stereotypes, his work often employs irony and humor to dismantle Orientalist narratives. His compositions are characterized by bold colors and autobiographical figures in playful settings, and encourage discussions around spirituality and mortality. Through his art, Khalifi challenges misrepresentations faced by individuals straddling multiple cultures, questioning modern society's dismissal of spirituality and tradition.
Observe/d, 2022