2019
467 pp.
2 maps in the main volumes, numerous charts and overviews of historical stages, appendix, index, 3 colour photos in the supplement volume
Text language(s): French, English
The present monograph covers the history of the Republic of the Niger representing the perspective of the Tuareg people. At the same time, it includes the world’s longest written Berber text. The work consists of three volumes – one original-language Tuareg version and its respective translation into French. The text language is Tayərt, a Berber dialect spoken in the Ayr Mountains. Mainly, the authors present the events from the point of view of the Tuareg; nevertheless, the historical development of the other Nigerien peoples are mentioned and embedded in the descriptions as well. The supplement volume features an obituary by Harry Stroomer on both authors of the main volumes who passed away in 2018.
First of all, there is an insight into human history, originated in Africa, provided, before the authors deal with the origin and the prehistory of the Berber people. Starting with the first written sources of Tuareg-history (around 700 A.C.), the authors subsequently summarise the development of the people up to the end of the 20th century:
700-1400: Invasion of southern Algeria and the Nigerien Ayr Mountains by the Tuareg. Foundation of the first Kanuri Empire (Kanem).
1400-1600: The sultanate of Ayr, the Songhai Empire, and the second Kanuri Empire (Kanem-Bornu).
1600-1800: A period without a large neighbouring empire. The Tuareg had significant influence on the Nigerien territory at that time.
1800-1900: Rise and fall of the Sokoto Caliphate of the Fulani (the city of Sokoto is situated in today’s Nigeria). Arrival of the first European colonialists.
1900-1920: Resistance against the colonial power, especially that of the Tuareg people.
1920-1960: Colonial era in Niger.
1960-2000: From independence to a modern state.