Researcher studies Moroccan community in Amapá

São Paulo — A visiting professor from the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) is researching the Moroccan community in Mazagão Velho, a district in the Amapá state municipality of Mazagão. Initially, Mahfouz Ag Adnane set out to examine Moroccan identity in the area, but his observations have revealed deeper cultural and historical connections.

Born to a Tuareg family in present-day Mali, Adnane is a naturalized Brazilian citizen studying art history at Unifesp. During his July visit to Mazagão Velho, he witnessed residents' pride in their Moroccan and African origins, which motivated him to focus on describing the community's identity from their perspective. Adnane plans to return to Amapá, including Mazagão Velho, in November to provide more detailed insights into the community's history.

The district's roots trace back to Portugal's colonization of Morocco, with the Portuguese maintaining a fortress in El Jadida for two centuries. The Mozagão community, however, remained under Moroccan rule for the same period. In the 18th century, Morocco compelled the community to leave, relocating them to Lisbon, Belém, Brazil, and ultimately Mazagão Velho.

The community continues to maintain this historical memory, as evidenced by the annual reenactment of a battle between Moors and Christians at the Festa de São Tiago. Adnane's research, supported by São Paulo state's research foundation (Fapesp), includes collaboration with professors from the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) and the University of São Paulo (USP) in the Link'Art Áfricas project. The findings will be presented as articles or a book by March next year.