Central Shilha

Overview

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

While many foreigners refer to the Central Shilha of Algeria as Berbers, the Central Shilha prefer to call themselves Imazighen, “the free people.”

Prior to the Arab invasion of the 8th century, there were numerous Christians who were forced to accept Islam. While the Arabs gained majority control of the country centuries ago, the indigenous peoples remain restive, seeking to affirm their identity and return to their roots.

Shilha Man: Shilha ManShilha Man: Shilha ManIn some areas, Islam is dominant. For many others, the religious practices are based more on traditions, depending on the magical powers of village “saints”, and the decisions of the community judges, than on the Koran.

Half of the Central Shilha live in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the other half reside in neighboring eastern Algeria. Their villages are isolated, few have electricity or running water, but paths between villages allow them to socialize easily within their own tribal group.

Facts

Central Shilha in Algeria

1.3 million
3.7% of population

Central Shilha in Morocco

2.4 million

Central Shilha Worldwide

3.8 million (small populations in France and UK)

Christian adherent

0.02%

Unevangelized

70%

Language

Tamazight
Population: 
3700000
Religion: 
Sunni Muslim
Unevangelized: 
70.0%
Christian Adherent: 
0.0%
Primary Development Concerns: 
persecution
poverty

Poverty

 

 

Algeria

United States

Infant Mortality

39/1,000

7/1,000

Literacy

69%

97%

Life Expectancy

70 years

77 years

 

Prayer

  • Pray that the desire of Berber peoples to return to their cultural heritage, which includes Christianity, would aid in the openness to Christ.
  • Pray that the negative view of Christians due to colonialism and conquests would be swept away by the deep love of the Christians who are able to live and serve among the Central Shilha.
  • Pray that the Berber peoples, the Kabyle, who are increasingly Christian, would share love and the Gospel with their fellow Berber group, the Central Shilha.
  • Pray that the country's desire to be open to tourism and foreign businesses would enable Christians to come share the Truth with the Shilha.
  • Pray for the translators working on Bible portions in the Tamazight language. May the Bible be readily available.
  • Pray for the few believers to choose to stay close to God, to love one another, to have access to Christian materials, and to share with non-believing family and friends. 
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