tamessa

Dr F. Jaabiri is most likely a specialist of the Ibadhit thought, which inspired and shaped the community of the M’zab. Citizen of this society and forged in its crucible I may be able, I hope, to contribute to the understanding of certain aspects of this millennial civilisation that does yet exists today and that continuous to exist as far as it keeps up its own factors of regeneration. The question to debate concerning this symposium remains to know if the M’zab can be considered as a ‘City-state Culture ‘ and if its seven cities meet criteria of ‘city-states’. In this contribution, in complement of the communication of Dr Jaabiri, I try to expose you a sample of activities of daily life in these cities. This paper treats the past of this civilisation and also its elongation in the present. The model of social organisation prevailing in M’zab could constitute a topic of research and yield rich information sources for further studies. Therein, a small society knew how to stand keeping up its identity life through ten centuries of existence in spite of a doubly hostile physical and human environment. In order to be acquainted with this millennial civilisation it would be necessary to stop one instant to observe the translation of their Creed into their actual life. Their Creed founds upon the triptyque of faith, word and act. This is adjusted by tolerance of others and it’s confirmed by the necessary firmness facing the different threats of dilution and disappearance. The organisation of this society is based on a moral hierarchy with to the top the council of the mosque called the ‘Halqa ‘ that co-ordinates the city council or enlarged council which comprehends different ‘Achira’ or tribes of the City