The Aith Waryaghar is an Amazigh tribe of the Rif region of north-east Morocco.

'Aith Waryaghar' is the name given to the tribe in Tarifit, the tribe's own language. There is no generally-agreed convention for spelling Tarifit names, and the word for 'sons of', 'Aith', may also be spelt or pronounced 'Ait'. In the Arabic generally spoken throughout much of Morocco, the same tribe is known as the 'Bni Waryaghal'. When this Arabic word is given in the French form, it becomes 'Beni Ouriaghel'; in the Spanish form, 'Beni Uriaguel'.^[1]

The Aith Waryaghar was one of the main groups which participated in the Rif wars (see Republic of the Rif) against the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco at the beginning of 20th century. The Spanish authorities considered it the nucleus of insumisión to the colonial authority in the Eastern zone of the protectorate (see Battle of Annual).

During the Rif War of 1921-1926, the leadership of the Aith Waryaghar was concentrated in the Al-Khattabi family and, in particular, in the person of Muhammad bin Abd el-Krim al-Khattabi. Its centre was the small locality of Ajdir in the bay of Al Hoceima.

[edit] Bibliography

• David Montgomery Hart, The Aith Waryaghar of the Moroccan Rif (Tucson, Arizona, 1976)

1. ^ David Montgomery Hart, The Aith Waryaghar of the Moroccan Rif (Tucson, Arizona, 1976) p.xxi

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