Interview with Madghis M. Madi 

TSJ

TSJ: Mass Madghis, thank you for taking the time to talk to Tamazgha Studies Journal about your experience as founder of Tawalt. First of all, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and why and when you founded Tawalt?

Madghis: Thank you for having me. I founded Tawalt in the early 2000s, driven by a deep desire to preserve and promote the Amazigh language and culture in Libya and across Tamazgha. The word Tawalt means "word" in Tamazight, and that was the foundation of the project. I started the site as an open online dictionary, specifically focusing on a Libyan Amazigh dictionary. That dictionary, though now just a small component of the platform, was the nucleus of my work and influenced everything that came after.

It’s important to emphasize that Tawalt has always been a group effort, even though I am the founder. The contributions of many individuals in various fields—technical support, linguistic expertise, cultural documentation, and more—have been invaluable. It is difficult to name everyone who has been involved over the years, as I’d fear leaving someone out, but their work has been integral to Tawalt’s growth and success.

My background as a blogger, photographer, and cultural activist helped me expand Tawalt into a broader archive, connecting Amazigh people globally and providing a resource for cultural and linguistic preservation. The internet was just beginning to flourish at the time, and I saw an opportunity to use this emerging tool to bridge gaps and create a lasting impact. This collective effort and shared vision have been the driving force behind Tawalt, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.

TSJ: You have amassed an impressive audiovisual as well as written Amazigh archive. How has that journey been?

Madghis: When I was younger, with fewer responsibilities, I poured my time and passion into acquiring and soliciting materials that now form the core of Tawalt’s archive. This was not just a project but a mission to preserve the essence of Tamazgha. I collected everything from musical instruments—more than 250 in total—to vinyl records, anthropological artifacts, traditional clothing, and religious and cultural relics. The archive also includes rare books, newspapers, posters, photographs, and videos, all representing the vast cultural tapestry of Tamazgha.                                               One of my greatest passions is old photographs, especially 3D stereoscopic images. I believe Tawalt has the largest collection of 3D images of Tamazgha, dating from 1854 to today, alongside early films, videos, and DVDs. This collection is eclectic, capturing everything that makes Tamazgha what it is today—its traditions, its stories, its music, and its people.                                                                   Creating this archive has been both challenging and fulfilling. The audiovisual component in particular required extensive travel and collaboration with communities from the Canary Islands to Siwa. Capturing the voices, traditions, and histories of these diverse Amazigh regions was a labor of love but also a race against time, as much of this heritage was at risk of being lost. Each item—whether an interview, a traditional garment, or an old record—feels like a treasure preserved for future generations.                                                                                                                               

However, as time goes on, I recognize the need for an institution to take over and expand this work. I no longer have the same capacity to grow the archive, nor the physical space to house it. The archive is a legacy, but it requires resources and institutional support to ensure it continues to thrive and serve as a bridge between past and future generations of Amazigh people.

TSJ: What is the situation in terms of accessing and using the materials you have curated? Have you noticed any changes in the orientations of your audiences?

Madghis: The Tawalt website has become a hub for Amazigh culture, housing an extensive collection of newspaper clippings, sound bites, and other cultural materials. We’ve also embraced technology by producing Amazigh fonts, reproducing old books in PDF format, and distributing them online, ensuring they are copyright-free and accessible to all. Our dictionary, one of the original features of Tawalt, has expanded and is now widely available as an app on both iOS and Android platforms.

I believe Tawalt has the largest collection of Amazigh fonts, and all of them are freely available online. The website has evolved into a vital platform that follows new technological trends, making Amazigh culture and language more accessible than ever.

In addition to the website, I organize exhibitions, give lectures, and run a YouTube channel featuring programs like Amazigh Roots and other productions. These efforts help spread the "word" of Tawalt far and wide, staying true to its name.

Access to the materials has significantly improved with advancements in technology, but there is always room for more. Students, researchers, and cultural activists increasingly use the resources, and over the years, I’ve observed a growing interest among younger audiences. What excites me most is their active engagement—adapting and building on the content through music, literature, and social media. This indicates that Amazigh culture is not only being preserved but is also evolving and thriving in new and dynamic forms.

While I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, I recognize that much more can be done. With institutional and community support, Tawalt could reach even greater heights, furthering its mission to celebrate and sustain Amazigh heritage for generations to come.

One of the unique aspects of Tawalt is that its materials and initiatives often circulate widely without being explicitly associated with us. This is intentional, as we prioritize accessibility and the spread of Amazigh culture over recognition. We don’t stamp our logo or name on many of the projects we support or the materials we release.

As a result, you might be using Tawalt’s materials without even realizing their origin. Whether it’s fonts, reproduced books, sound bites, or other resources, our aim has always been to make these tools as widely available as possible to support the Amazigh cause. While this approach may reduce visibility for the Tawalt name, it amplifies the impact of the work itself, ensuring that Amazigh culture reaches and inspires more people, regardless of attribution.

This philosophy aligns with our broader mission: to preserve and promote Amazigh heritage as a collective effort, empowering others to take ownership and contribute in their own ways. Even without the Tawalt stamp, the cultural legacy continues to grow and thrive.

TSJ: In your previous answer, you lament the limits of the individual capacity to house and sustain your significant holdings. What kind of institution, do you think, would best serve as a home for this archive? Should it be abroad or in the homeland?

Madghis: Ideally, the archive should have a permanent home in the homeland, as that would ensure its roots remain in the soil of the culture it seeks to preserve. However, this requires a robust institution that is well-funded, professionally managed, and dedicated to cultural preservation and accessibility. It could be part of a national or regional cultural center, a university, or an independent research institute. Such a home would ensure that the materials are not only preserved but also actively used for education, research, and community engagement.

At the same time, there is value in establishing partnerships or satellite archives abroad, particularly with institutions that have expertise in preserving and digitizing materials, like universities, museums, or Amazigh-focused centers. An international presence would increase access for the global Amazigh diaspora and foster collaboration with researchers worldwide.

Ultimately, the best solution might be a hybrid model. The core archive could remain in the homeland, but with digital accessibility and international collaborations, its reach could extend far beyond physical borders. This approach would balance cultural authenticity with global access, ensuring that the archive serves as a bridge between Amazigh communities at home and abroad.

TSJ: After several decades of working on the promotion of Amazigh language and culture, what’s your assessment of the situation today?

Madghis: There’s been undeniable progress, especially in education and the arts, but challenges remain. Constitutional recognition of Amazigh rights in Libya is still lacking, and political instability complicates sustained efforts. However, I’m optimistic. The Amazigh language is being taught more widely, and cultural initiatives are gaining momentum. The younger generation in particular gives me hope. They are more connected, informed, and passionate about their heritage than ever before. Our task now is to ensure that these efforts are institutionalized and supported at all levels so that Amazigh identity continues to flourish.

TSJ: Amazigh diasporic communities in North America have become increasingly involved in the effort to revitalize Tamazight. What advantages does North America offer to Imazighen that the traditional diasporic contexts could not. 

Madghis: North America offers several unique advantages to Imazighen that traditional diasporic contexts, such as Europe or North African countries, may not provide. These advantages stem from North America’s cultural, educational, and technological environment, which fosters diversity, creativity, and advocacy.

Diverse Multiculturalism: North America, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada, celebrates multiculturalism and actively encourages cultural expression. This has given Amazigh communities the freedom to openly promote their language and culture without the political constraints they may face in other contexts. It also allows for collaboration with other diasporic communities, creating synergies in cultural preservation and activism.

Access to Resources and Technology: North America provides access to advanced educational and technological resources. Imazighen in these communities can leverage cutting-edge tools to develop apps, websites, and digital platforms for Tamazight learning and cultural promotion. This has been pivotal in creating global initiatives like online dictionaries, Tifinagh keyboards, and Amazigh language apps.

Educational Opportunities: Universities and academic institutions in North America are often more open to supporting research and initiatives related to minority languages and cultures. Amazigh scholars and students in North America have been able to conduct research, publish studies, and organize events that bring attention to Tamazight and Amazigh heritage.

Advocacy and Representation: The legal and political systems in North America provide avenues for advocacy and representation. Imazighen can form cultural organizations, participate in government diversity programs, and work with international NGOs to raise awareness about Amazigh issues. This has helped the Amazigh diaspora secure funding, organize cultural festivals, and connect with global audiences.

Diasporic Networking: North America serves as a hub for the global Amazigh diaspora. This allows Imazighen to build connections with other Amazigh communities across continents, strengthening cultural ties and fostering a shared sense of identity.

Freedom from Historical Biases: Unlike in Europe, where colonial histories with North Africa can sometimes influence perceptions of Amazigh identity, North America offers a more neutral space. This allows Imazighen to present their culture and language without the same historical baggage, making it easier to focus on revitalization and education.

These advantages have empowered the Amazigh diasporic community in North America to become a driving force in revitalizing Tamazight. They are using these tools to not only preserve their heritage but also to innovate and ensure that their language and culture thrive in a modern, globalized world. 

TSJ: What do you think needs to be done to consolidate inter-Amazigh dialogues and strengthen a unified Amazigh action? 

Madghis: To consolidate inter-Amazigh dialogues and strengthen unified action, we need to focus on a few key areas:

• Promoting Shared Identity: Highlight common Amazigh heritage through cultural festivals, exhibitions, and media, while respecting regional differences.

• Creating Unified Platforms: Establish digital and organizational networks to connect Amazigh communities for dialogue, collaboration, and resource sharing.

• Standardizing Tamazight: Promote a unified approach to the language while valuing dialectal diversity, ensuring it is taught and recognized across Amazigh regions and in the diaspora.

• Fostering Collaboration: Build partnerships between Amazigh organizations, scholars, and activists, and host regular summits to discuss common goals and strategies.

• Addressing Divisions: Engage in open dialogue to bridge political and ideological gaps, focusing on shared aspirations and mutual trust.

• Empowering Youth and Women: Actively involve these groups in initiatives, leveraging modern tools like social media to engage and inspire participation.

• Leveraging Technology: Use digital platforms for virtual forums, archives, and language-learning tools to connect and preserve Amazigh culture globally.

• Advocacy and Sustainability: Advocate for Amazigh rights internationally and invest in economic and cultural projects to support Amazigh communities.

• A unified Amazigh movement will thrive by balancing diversity with shared goals, ensuring the preservation and evolution of the culture for future generations.