The Rif people, also known as Riffians, are primarily Amazigh (Berber), an indigenous group in North Africa. Their homeland, the Rif Mountains, stretches along the northern coast of Morocco, facing the Mediterranean Sea. The region is mountainous and rugged, shaping the lifestyle, economy, and culture of the Rif people over centuries.
Historically, the Rif people have shown a fierce resistance to foreign domination, a feature that has defined much of their identity. Early conflicts date back to Roman times, but their most famous stand occurred during the Rif War (1921-1926), a rebellion against Spanish and French colonial forces. Led by the legendary military leader Abdelkrim al-Khattabi, the Rif tribes united under his command to form the Republic of the Rif, which, although short-lived, became a powerful symbol of anti-colonial resistance. The Rifian forces, armed with limited resources, used guerrilla tactics to defeat the Spanish at the Battle of Annual, a shocking defeat for Spain, which lost nearly 20,000 troops.
The Rif War not only symbolized the resistance of the Rif people but also left a deep cultural mark on their sense of self-determination. Abdelkrim became an icon of anti-imperialism worldwide, influencing liberation movements in Asia and Africa. The Rifians were never fully subjugated, and their cultural identity has been closely linked to their history of rebellion and independence. This resistance continues to resonate, fueling regional pride and shaping the relationship between the Rif and the Moroccan central government.