The Amazigh (Berber) people, the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa, have entered the year 2976, approximately a thousand years after the calendar used worldwide.
Modern.az reports that this calendar, explained not by time travel but by a deeply rooted historical heritage, takes the ascension of King Sheshonk to the Egyptian throne in 950 BC as its starting point.
Celebrated between January 12-14 in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya, the Amazigh New Year, "Yennayer", represents family ties, renewal, and a deep connection with nature.
The streets are filled with shouts of "aseggas ameggaz" (happy new year), accompanied by carefully prepared traditional costumes and public festivities.
Although there are no official statistics, it is estimated that tens of millions of Amazigh live in North Africa.
According to estimates, approximately 40% of the population in Morocco, 20% in Algeria, and a significant minority in Tunisia and Libya are representatives of this people.
At the heart of the "Yennayer" festivities lies a rich culinary culture. In Morocco's High Atlas region, "ourkemen", a dish made from legumes, spices, and whole grains, is a favorite; while in Algeria, "treze", a mixture of sweets, nuts, and fruits, is preferred.
To symbolize prosperity, this nut mixture is sometimes gently poured over the head of the youngest child in the house.
"Yennayer" is not only the beginning of the calendar year but also a symbol of a centuries-long struggle for cultural existence.
