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Who are Egypt’s Amazighs?

The marginalization of Egypt’s Amazighs throughout history may have come to their advantage, as the community has been able to preserve its traditions and unique identity.
A four wheel drive vehicle crosses the sand dunes in the late afternoon sun near the Egyptian western desert oasis of Siwa.  A four wheel drive vehicle crosses the sand dunes in the late afternoon sun near Egypt's western desert oasis of Siwa on February 3, 2002. HIGH RESOLUTION FILE BLIFE REUTERS/Aladin Abdel Naby REUTERS BOOKS ON THE ROAD BOOK - RTR13V9

CAIRO — Visitors to the Siwa Oasis quickly notice the good nature of the people who welcome them. With warm smiles, oasis residents are proud to show visitors their culture heritage and traditions.

Unlike in many other parts of Egypt, the Siwa Oasis, located 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of the Libyan border and 560 kilometers (348 miles) from Cairo, is practically free of attempts of theft, fraud and sexual, physical or verbal harassment. It seems that the geographical remoteness of the area and longstanding marginalization of its residents are the main reasons the oasis is a safe and pleasant area to live in and visit.

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