Published in French by Sochepress Editions, with the support of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, this work of 387 pages in medium format, constitutes a practical and exhaustive dictionary including more than 460 lexical entries covering the names of all cities and villages across the national territory, while explaining their linguistic, historical and anthropological links.
Through this book, the author seeks to present the essential elements allowing the greatest number of readers to understand the history of Morocco from the angle of toponymy, by exploring the history of names, geography, modes of life, memory and the successive civilizations of these human agglomerations. The author has enriched her work with a set of fascinating mythological stories and folk tales.
In a statement to MAP, Mouna Hachim stressed that “the great interest she has in the question of identity in its relationship with history constitutes a fundamental motivation for her research as part of her intellectual project”, indicating that “ The work on the towns and villages of Morocco represents an additional step in this project aimed at highlighting the historical depth of Moroccan civilization through precise documentation of real events and their mythological dimensions.
The writer added that this book is the fruit of intense research carried out over years, allowing her to explore other aspects of the history of Morocco, explaining that “the toponyms, whether they have retained their original form or whether they have undergone modifications over the centuries, constitute an important part of the process of identity formation.
Mouna Hachim is a novelist and history researcher, holding a graduate degree in comparative literature from Hassan II University in Casablanca. She is the author of several works, including “The Children of Chaouia”, “Dictionary of Moroccan Surnames”, “The Fascinating History of Morocco”, “The Lost Manuscripts”, and “Ibn Toumert or the Last Days veiled ones.”
The writer has participated in documentary radio and television programs focused on cultural and architectural heritage, genealogy and surnames in Morocco.
How can studying place names help in uncovering historical narratives?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Toponymy Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Your recent publication, a comprehensive dictionary of Moroccan toponymy, has created quite a stir in academic and cultural circles. Can you start by telling us what inspired you to embark on this monumental project?
Toponymy Expert: Thank you for having me! The inspiration for this work came from a deep-seated passion for the history and culture of Morocco. I’ve always been fascinated by how place names, or toponyms, carry stories of our past. They encapsulate linguistic, historical, and anthropological aspects that often go overlooked. I wanted to create a resource that not only lists the cities and villages but also connects them to their rich histories and cultural significance.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating. The book covers over 460 lexical entries related to Moroccan places. How did you determine which locations to include? Was it a challenging process?
Toponymy Expert: Yes, it was quite the endeavor! I focused on including a wide variety of locations, from major cities to small villages across the country. Criteria included historical significance, cultural relevance, and the richness of the name’s etymology. It was a labor of love, involving a lot of research through historical texts, local legends, and interviews with historians and residents. Each entry represents a snapshot of Moroccan life and identity.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive approach. Can you elaborate on how toponymy contributes to our understanding of Moroccan history and culture?
Toponymy Expert: Absolutely. Place names reveal layers of history; they tell us about the origins of settlements, migrations, and even changes in governance over time. For instance, a village might bear a name that reflects an ancient tribe, while another might highlight a natural feature or a historical event. By studying these names, we can uncover narratives about social structures, relationships between communities, and how people have adapted to changing environments over centuries.
Time.news Editor: This project is clearly ambitious and multi-faceted. What do you hope readers take away from your book?
Toponymy Expert: I hope readers gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between language and identity in Morocco. Understanding the names of places is also about understanding the people who inhabit them and their stories. I want readers to not only learn the geography of Morocco but to engage with its history and culture on a more profound level. Perhaps it will inspire readers to explore these places themselves and continue the dialogue about our collective heritage.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful goal. Lastly, could you tell us how your work has been received? Has the book sparked any interesting conversations or collaborations?
Toponymy Expert: The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Many educators, students, and researchers have expressed interest, and there have been numerous discussions in academic circles about the implications of toponymy in understanding cultural identity. Furthermore, I have started reaching out to local communities to organize workshops and discussions, ensuring that this knowledge isn’t just confined to the pages of a book but shared widely. Engaging with the community is crucial to honoring the living history that these names represent.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. Your work is not simply a book; it is a gateway to understanding Moroccan heritage through the lens of toponymy. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your research.
Toponymy Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital connections between language, history, and culture.