The Critical Amazigh Studies Summer Institute (CASSI) welcomes applications for its 2026 edition, which will be held in partnership with the UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies and the School of Arts, Languages, and Humanities (FLASH) - Aït Melloul, Agadir, Morocco. After a successful first edition in summer 2025 in Rabat, the CASSI continues offering this unique opportunity to participants to be part of the growing community of learners and scholars who are interested in the discipline of Amazigh studies.
Designed to meet the needs of students and faculty members who have no prior knowledge of Tamazight and Amazigh epistemologies, this highly interdisciplinary program has no prerequisites. Participants with no prior knowledge of Amazigh language and culture will receive full support to ensure a smooth and enriching learning experience through in-class instruction as well as field trips and discussions with academic, cultural, and social stakeholders.
Over the past two decades, Amazigh Studies has gained momentum, fostering new academic and cultural initiatives in both North Africa and the Anglophone world. As part of this larger dynamic, the CASSI aims to remedy the shortcomings of the current invisibility of Amazigh Studies in Anglophone academia by offering:
-
Seminars & Workshops led by experts and activists on topics such as Amazigh language, linguistics, historiography, anthropology, literature, film, and media.
-
Language Learning Opportunities, including daily Amazigh language classes for beginners.
-
Site visits and field trips that will allow the participants to gain a better understanding of Amazigh societies and their culture.
The entire program is crafted to equip participants with the necessary tools they need to critically engage with Amazigh cultural production, historiography, and scholarship with a robust indigenous approach. Located in the region of Souss Massa Daraa, the FLASH-Aït Melloul is at the heart of one of the most vibrant Amazigh speaking areas, which will facilitate direct cultural engagements with the myriad manifestations of Amazighity.
Please register here by March 15, 2026.
Program Details
Location: FLASH - Aït Melloul Campus, Agadir, Morocco
Dates: June 29 - July 10, 2025
Credits: 5 US Credits through FLASH
Cost: $2500 per participant (includes accommodation, airport shuttle from Masira Airport to the hotel and back, and full program access; participants are responsible for their own airfare).
All questions should be addressed to the program directors Professor Brahim El Guabli and Professor Hassane Oudadene at: criticalamazighstudies@gmail.com