Transformation from Religious to Political. An Anthropological Study

The Zaouias play a significant role in the scientific and social life of the Tuat region in Adrar, where they worked to spread the teachings of Islam, the Arabic language, offer hospitality to guests and travelers, in addition to promoting values of tolerance, unity, and reconciliation, especially within the Tuat community. Their scientific and social roles expanded to neighboring vibrations such as Niger, Mali, and Senegal. In this study, we sought to explore the f orms of this expansion, covering the political aspects that led the Tuat Zaouia to combine religious and political elements in its anthropological approach. We also investigate the extent to which the Algerian political authority has utilized the spiritual role of the Tuat Zaouia in northern Mali to mediate political disputes between northern Malian tribes and the Malian authorities.