The Maghreb
Discovering the richness of Arab, Amazigh, and Mediterranean cultures
The Maghreb is a region where history, culture, and resilience converge – a geography that has long been a melting pot of civilizations. From the ancient Berber kingdoms to Arab, Andalusian, and French influences, this region’s identity is shaped by centuries of exchange and adaptation. It is a land of storytellers, poets, and visionaries—where Malika Mokkedem’s literature, Zineb Sedira’s art, and Nass El Ghiwane’s music echo the struggles and triumphs of its people. The Maghreb has also been at the forefront of social and political change, with movements advocating for women’s rights, artistic freedom, and cultural preservation shaping its modern landscape.
In this edition, we dive into the Maghreb’s layered past and dynamic present, highlighting its artistic expressions, historical legacies, and contemporary voices. We feature recommendations from guests on our podcast series, sharing their favorite books, films, and destinations that capture the essence of the region. From the bustling medinas of Fez and Algiers to the sweeping desert landscapes of the Sahara, this issue offers a window into the soul of the Maghreb.
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.
Nass El Ghiwane: Moroccan Folk, Gnawa and Avant-Garde Music
The Band “Carte de Séjour” Protested Racism in France
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. Moments before, stubs were hastily discarded as the police car approached. Now, with a mix of relief and lingering anxiety, a ground search in the hopes of finding what was thrown away. The night isn’t over yet – there’s still a need to finish what was started.”
Tsawwar is an ongoing visual series in Daftar which explores the stories behind a photograph, taken in the region or by an Arab photographer, written in their own words. George Azar is a photojournalist-in-residence at the American University of Beirut, an Independent Director at Al Jazeera English, and former independent photographer at the New York Times. Explore his work on @jirjiazar ---xxxxxx EDIT THIS
Must-Read Books on North Africa
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" and "Piti Majiti" 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'. I asked if they could show me their favorite pitch. Minutes later we arrived at this unrealistic field that I completely fell in love with. With a game already underway, I was astonished at how it looked like the ground opened and a magical field appeared. I stood there for a while, noticing the sun slowly getting covered by grey clouds. I finally winded my camera and began to shoot. Twelve shots later, I thanked the young lads for their time and promised to visit again soon.”
Tsawwar is an ongoing visual series in Daftar which explores the stories behind a photograph, taken in the region or by an Arab photographer, written in their own words. George Azar is a photojournalist-in-residence at the American University of Beirut, an Independent Director at Al Jazeera English, and former independent photographer at the New York Times. Explore his work on @jirjiazar ---xxxxxx EDIT THIS
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
Unmasking the Mirage
Anuar Khalifi is a self-taught Spanish-Moroccan artist born in 1977 in Lloret de Mar, Spain, and currently based between Barcelona and Tangier. His vibrant, richly detailed paintings explore themes such as identity, duality, diaspora, Orientalism, colonialism, extremism, and consumerist society. Khalifi's work blends fact and fiction to confront stereotypes, often employing irony and humor to dismantle orientalist narratives. His compositions, characterized by bold colors and autobiographical figures in playful settings, 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
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