Shared by Matko Nino, Ubari, Libya – March 22, 2025
The Tuareg are a matriarchal society, where women actively participate in various aspects of life, including both peace and war. This cultural trait is prevalent among all Tuareg communities across the Sahara, though each region has its own distinct traditions and ways of life.
For us, the Tuareg of the Azgar region, we have our own unique customs and identity. However, this does not prevent us from interacting with Tuareg from other regions.
To begin, we must define the Azgar region and its borders. It extends from Tamanrasset in southern Algeria, encompassing the three Fezzan valleys—Wadi al-Shati, Wadi al-Ajjal, and Wadi Atba—up to Ghadames in the north.
Within the Azgar region, the Tuareg are traditionally divided into four social classes:
• Ihaqar (nobles)
• Imghad
• Slaves
• Blacksmiths
The city of Ghat serves as the capital of the region and is called Azgar, while Ubari is known as Tarja.
These videos showcase the culture of the Azgar region, focusing on the traditional dress worn by women on various occasions. They highlight the rituals of bridal dressing and explain how to distinguish between a married woman and a young girl.
Additionally, they provide insight into marriage traditions in the Azgar region, featuring the Tzamart and Qanqa drums—two of the most significant instruments played during ceremonies and celebrations. The Imouhagh are renowned for their warm tones and sweet melodies, evoking the spirit of the desert and a deep sense of nostalgia.
