Mdakra

Mdakra (Arabic: المذاكرة) are a Moroccan predominantly Arab and Berber tribe, traditionally forming part of the Chaouia tribal confederation. Their primary administrative and economic centers are the towns of El Gara and Benslimane.

Origins Historically, the Mdakra were composed of two distinct ethnic elements: a Berber element, represented by the Mellila fraction, and a majority Arab element comprising the Ahlaf, Oulad Sabbah and Ouled Ali fractions. The Mellila and Houara Ancestry are historically linked to the Houara branch, descending from Meld, the brother of Houar and son of Aurigh. During the Muslim conquests, the Houara tribes were located in Tripolitania (modern Libya). They migrated westward through Tunisia and across the Maghreb. Ibn Khaldun notes that while they were once a proud and independent people, the vicissitudes of history and taxation led to their dispersal and impoverishment across various regions of North Africa. The Ahlaf and Maqilian Origins The Ahlaf are attributed to a Maqilian lineage, originally established in northeastern Morocco. 

This group was divided into two main branches: the Amarna and the Mounbat. Their arrival in the Tamesna region (modern Chaouia) remains a subject of historical study. Ibn Khaldun describes certain Ahlaf factions as nomadic desert-dwellers who controlled caravan routes and Saharan settlements.  

The Ouled Sabbah / Sabih, their identity is a focal point of historiographical debate.  

While the work Al-Istiqsa classifies them as Hilalians of the Riyah branch via the Banu Akhdar (بنو الأخضر) , other analysis suggests this was an administrative categorization based on geographic location. Conversely, Ibn Khaldun firmly attaches them to the Maqil Arabs, a view corroborated by their close affiliation with the Ouled Ali, a predominantly Maqilian tribe. 

Originally from the banks of the Moulouya River, their Maqil identity is supported by local genealogical records identifying them as Jafarids (descendants of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib). They claim kinship with the Banu Hassan, the noble warrior branch of the Maqil. Historical Precision: The Akhdar branch is not indigenous to the Banu Hilal. In reality, the name Akhdar is not of Hilalian origin. Historically, the Banu Akhdar (بنو الأخضر) refers to a Sharifian (Alid) identity. Following the collapse of the Banu al-Ukhaidhir (Ukhaydirid) state in Arabia, these lineages integrated into the Maqilian migrations for political survival.  

Thus, it is historically more probable that their lineage trace back to Muhammed ibn Yusuf Al-Ukhaydir, known as "Amir Al-Akhdar."  Settlement on the banks of the Moulouya River marked their definitive integration into the Maqil confederation, where they maintained their status as "Chorfa" (nobles) while assuming leadership roles within the tribal alliances of Eastern Morocco and the Chaouia. 

History Formation and Early Influence (11th – 18th Century) The Mdakra emerged from a "superposition" of peoples. The original inhabitants of the Tamesna plains were the Berghouata (a Masmouda tribe). Following the Almoravid and Almohad persecutions in the 12th century, the Berghouata vanished as a political entity, coinciding with the arrival of Arab tribes. Elements of Berghouata heritage remain within the Ouled Salah fraction. Conflict with the Mzab In the 18th century, the Mdakra occupied the territories of Mqarto and Ziou. During a conflict between the Ouled Bou Rezq and the Ouled Bou Atiya, the Mdakra were betrayed by their temporary allies, the Mzab. 

This led to a retreat westward, causing the Mdakra to displace the Ziyaïda and Ouled Zian tribes. Resistance Against French Colonization (1907–1914) The Mdakra were among the most bellicose tribes of the Chaouia, participating in every major engagement against French forces. They were the last tribe to submit during the pacification of the region. A notable engagement was the Battle of Fakhakha (February 28, 1908), described as one of the bloodiest of the campaign. 

Tribal Organization The tribe is divided into two primary geographic and sociological groups: 1. People of the Plains (Moualine Louta) Predominantly of Arab origin, led historically by figures such as Abdelkader ben Al-Hajj Al-Ma'ti Ould Al-Farjiya.

 Ouled Sabbah: This fraction includes the sub-groups of Zbirat, Ouled Atiya, Ouled Faida, Ouled Zidane, and Ouled Qorra.
 Ouled Ali: A major fraction closely associated with the Ouled Sabbah through shared Maqil ancestry.


2. People of the Forest (Moualine Lghaba) Of Arab-Berber origin, known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle and historical independence from the central government (the Makhzen).

 Ahlaf: Of Arab origin, consisting of the branches Ouled Hassan, Ouled Ljich, and Zzkama.
 Mellila: Of Berber (Houara) origin. This group includes the Ouled Salah, who are considered the descendants of the ancient Berghouata.


Territory The Mdakra territory covers approximately 70,000 hectares in the Chaouia plain. It is bordered by the Ziyaïda to the north, the Ouled Hriz to the west, the Zaers to the east, and the Mzab to the south. The Ouled Sabbah lands are noted for being exceptionally fertile and highly developed for agriculture. Notable Figures and Families The tribe has a rich tradition of Sufi saints and scholars, though many historical details were lost during the transition from oral to written records.

 Prominent Sufi Shrines 

 Ouled Sabbah: Sidi Moussa Ben Ayed, Sidi Ahmed Ben 'Olayan, and Sidi Mass'oud Sabahi.
 Ahlaf: Sidi Bou'bid, Lalla Aïcha, and Sidi Qassim.
 Mellila: Moulay Idriss and Sidi Ahmed Al Sharif.


Historical Families

Ouled Ali: The Ouled El-Medkouriya, who held royal decrees (Dahirs) granting them command of the tribe.
* 

Ouled Sabbah: The Ouled El-Fardjiya and the Ouled Chouirfa.
* Chorfas: Represented primarily by the Ouled Ben Smain and Ouled Sidi Ahmed and the holders of noble decrees dating back to the reign of Moulay Ismaïl.


References

Category:Ethnic groups in Morocco
 References