Ighram

(plural Igharman)

   This refers to a fortified village and is the elementary corporate unit of sociopolitical organization of most sedentary Berbers. It is called ksar in Arabic. Each ighram is corporate in maintaining rights over person and land. Territorial boundaries and kinship formations define the division of social order, space, community policy, and authority. The ighram is one of the oldest forms of rural housing. In response to concerns of dissidence and a traditional level of technology, the ighram was conceived as a defensive strategy to protect its residents and secure subsistence from agriculture based on communal management of property and labor mobilization.

   The management of the ighram and its resources are governed by village councils, or jama`a. See also AGADIR.