Dihya: The True Defender of North Africa

🛡️ Dihya: The True Defender of North Africa Dihya was a 7th-century Amazigh (Berber) queen and military leader who led a powerful resistance against multiple waves of foreign domination, including the Byzantines, Romans, and later the Umayyad Arab forces from Syria. She ruled from the Aurès Mountains in present-day Algeria and united various Amazigh tribes under her command, becoming the uncontested ruler of the Maghreb for several years. 🔥 Resistance and Scorched Earth Strategy After defeating the Arab general Hasan ibn al-Nu'man in the Battle of Meskiana, Dihya implemented a scorched earth policy—burning cities and orchards to deny the invaders access to resources. This bold strategy, though controversial, was a last stand of defiance and a clear message: North Africa would not be surrendered easily. 👩‍👦 Family and Betrayal Dihya had three sons, one of whom was reportedly adopted from among captured Arab officers. According to some accounts, her sons were later persuaded to convert to Islam, a move that may have contributed to her eventual downfall. Her death around 702–705 CE is shrouded in legend—some say she died in battle, others claim she took poison to avoid capture. 🗣️ Rewriting the Narrative The Facebook reel by Tihya Odarhem and your comment are part of a growing digital movement to reclaim Amazigh history from colonial and Arab-centric narratives. Dihya’s story has been distorted over centuries—she was labelled a “sorceress” or “witch” by her enemies to discredit her. But to the Amazigh people, she remains “The Mother of the Brave”, a symbol of resistance, dignity, and cultural pride5