TBOURIDA "Capturing the essence of The Bardia"
Morocco, 2018 - 2019
Embark on a captivating visual journey through the lens of French-Moroccan photographer, artist and cinematographer Iftane Takarroumt as she unveils a spectacular narrative captured during the filming of the documentary "The Bardia," featured in the National Geographic Short Film Showcase.
This evocative photographic exploration meticulously delves into the rich tapestry of Moroccan heritage, casting a spotlight on the innate strength and resilience of Moroccan women within the male-dominated realm of Tbourida. These images not only reveal the intensity of this traditional sport but also expose the intimate moments shared between the artist and the Tbourida riders, also known as "Bardia." Join us as we traverse the intricate landscapes of culture, athleticism, human, and animal connection.
© Iftane Takarroumt.
Derived from"Baroud," meaning "gunpowder," Tbourida is an ancient equestrian art with its roots traced back to the 15th century.
It is an equestrian performance that simulates a sequence of
military parades, reconstructed according to ancient
Arabo-Amazigh conventions and rituals.
Captivating both the Moroccan and international audiences, Tbourida is intricately linked to festivities such as moussems, agricultural celebrations, and various national and familial events.
The inclusion of Tbourida in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list was formally announced by the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee in December 2021, on behalf of the Kingdom of Morocco.
This centuries-old equestrian tradition continues to dazzle spectators, embodying the rich heritage and celebratory spirit of Morocco on both national and global stages.
The Tbourida was made famous by Eugène Delacroix, a famous French painter of the 19th century, who made many trips to North Africa and particularly to Morocco in 1832
as part of a diplomatic mission.
It was at this time that he discovered the art of Tbourida, and subsequently started creating paintings of it.
It was this painter who popularized
it under the name of Fantasia.
The Tbourida troupe, called Sorba, is composed of 11 to 15 aligned riders. It is presided over by the Mokaddem, who positions themselves at the center of the troupe and coordinates the movement of both the men and or women and the horses.
Prior to the event, the riders infuse their performance with a spiritual significance, often engaging in ablutions and collective prayer.
Guided by the troop leader, riders and horses execute a parade consisting of two main parts. The first, known as the hadda, involves the troop entering the arena at a trot, performing acrobatic weapon maneuvers, and then returning to their starting point.
The second, the talqa, sees the troops galloping away, firing blank shots from rifles before simulating a collective departure
for war and withdrawing.
The competitions particularly recognize perfect alignment, the quality of the start, the riders' attire, the harnessing of the horses,
the art in executing the rifle game, and the precision
and simultaneity of the detonations.
The transmission of this cultural heritage occurs from generation to generation within families through oral tradition and the observation of practitioners, ensuring the preservation of Tbourida's rich legacy.
As a Bardia, each rider becomes a living embodiment of their cultural identity and the timeless artistry of Tbourida.
From generation to generation, Tbourida maintains a robust spiritual dimension, notably by placing the horse—a sacred animal in Islam—at the center of a captivating and impressive spectacle.
Adorned in period costumes and accessories, such as turbans, draped clothing, babouches, a small Quran booklet, and an ancient Arab sword, the riders symbolize the customs and traditions of their tribe or region.
The horses are equally adorned with sewn and traditionally decorated harnesses.
"The Bardia" Documentary Synopsis
By the age of seventeen, Amal Ahamri was the face of the first all-women tbourida teams. An intimidating equestrian display, tbourida is a centuries-old competition in Morocco. But as Amal reaches her 30's and becomes pregnant with her second child, she falls from the spotlight. What she thought would be a short pause from the sport extends into several years, throwing into question her priorities and fears.
Amal Ahamri, main subject of "The Bardia" during
a Moussem in Karia Ba Mohamed, Morocco, 2019.
Amal Ahamri's daughter, Lilia, holding a Moukhala (Black powder rifle),
during a Moussem in Karia Ba Mohamed, Morocco, 2019.
