The kingdom of Berghwata: A Heresy -tattooed Memory

Abstract

While some historians marvelled at the Berghwata legacy, others despised it and accused it of heresy. Some noted its wealth and strength, while others focused on its pagan, Jewish, and Christian aspects. The Berghwata dynasty represents a significant milestone in the history of the Amazigh people in Morocco. This dynasty is either totally forgotten or is remembered as heretical. In this paper, I aim to explore the contentious debate surrounding Berghwata with the goal of illuminating its philosophy. I will argue that regardless of the degree to which Berghwata’s creed deviated from Islam, its thought has stood as a shield against Umayyad Arabization and invasion. The same thought also represents a melting pot where all elements of the then Moroccan society met. Additionally, the Berghwata’s modification of the Islamic Orthodox is a heterodox reaction that natives exercised against the Umayyad’s policy of favouring Arabs over other ethnicities, which created a bitter resentment among some Amazigh tribes.