Photo gallery: International Mission Study

Berbers of North Africa


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A taste of North Africa

Spices, more than herbs, enliven North African cuisine. Cumin, turmeric, cardamom, dried ginger, and cinnamon are heaped on tables at markets, infusing the air with their scents. (IMB PHOTO)

Berber women

Most women in Jamila's town cover when they venture out of their homes to the market. Husbands and fathers may require this of their wives and daughters, but often it is by personal choice as well. (IMB PHOTO)

Daily catch

In the early morning hours, Berber fishermen return to the docks of this North African coastal town to bring in their catch from Mediterranean waters. After a night of fishing, fishermen sell their catch at the docks. (IMB PHOTO)

Dominate force

A mosque's minaret dominates the skyline in a North African Berber city, much like Islam dominates the lives of the people here. (IMB PHOTO)

Fruit by the bushel

Vendors selling dried fruits and nuts are a common sight in markets and along sidewalks. Dates, apricots, peanuts, almonds, and cashews are weighed into bags for the shopper to take home. (IMB PHOTO)

Henna hands

Young girls hold out their hands, henna-stained by their mothers with intricate patterns on the Night of Power during the final days of Ramadan. (IMB PHOTO) 

Islam dominates

Like the minaret rising behind this Berber boy, Islam overshadows all aspects of life and culture for North African Berbers, whether they live in rural villages or cosmopolitan cities. (IMB PHOTO) 

Isolation

Dirt roads, and sometimes no roads at all, keep mountain-dwelling Berbers isolated from medical care, educational opportunities, and the truth. (IMB PHOTO)

Labyrinthine lanes

Narrow alleys and streets in the old medina of this North African city allow only foot traffic and the occasional donkey, used for delivering goods to shops. (IMB PHOTO)

Meeting of the minds

A day in the market is not only for commerce, but also for sharing of information or even a good laugh. (IMB PHOTO)

Monkey handler

This Berber city is known for centuries-old mosques, intriguing souks, and snake charmers who work the central square. It is also a draw for tourists. Monkey handlers seek foreign visitors who will pay them for photos with their animals. (IMB PHOTO)

Not by bread alone

A young boy takes his family's loaves to the community oven for baking. A special mark on the bread designates it as his so that it won't be confused with that of others. (IMB PHOTO)

Pomegranates and olives

Much of North Africa is an arid landscape, inhospitable both to growing crops and to the sowing of the Gospel among the Berbers. Where there is water, however, the land yields fragrant fruits and vegetables. (IMB PHOTO) 

Prayertime

Praying five times daily is one of Islam's pillars. Men gather at the mosque, remove their shoes, and ritually wash before praying. (IMB PHOTO) 

Quiet time

Quiet fills a North African mosque after worshippers have filed out after prayers. In early centuries after Christ's resurrection, Christianity thrived along the North African coasts. Then Arab invaders conquered both the lands and lives of the continent's original inhabitants, the Berbers. (IMB PHOTO) 

Signs of belonging

A forehead tattoo on an old Berber woman may indicate her home village, her marital status, or an important life event. (IMB PHOTO)