Pictures of the suffering and sorrows of children in the Central Maghreb

Abstract

This research aims to delve into the extent of the suffering and sorrow caused by the wars and sieges that the Central Maghreb witnessed in the period between the sixth and ninth centuries AH, especially the time of the long siege, which is considered the most fatal to the population, especially children, who were forced by the catastrophic results to taste real suffering that led them to live in sadness and pressure. Psychologically, because they are the weakest group in society, and its repercussions were dire for them, as they were not safe from the crises of poverty and hunger that pushed their parents to adopt hybrid food behaviors that amounted to going beyond the limits of humanity and adopting animal behaviors as a preventive measure within the framework of the struggle for survival. Although this group was not targeted within the war plans, it was not spared from killing and captivity, and witnessed bloody scenes, especially if it affected a family member, as its victims varied between the homeless, the orphan, the poor, and the disabled. Also, under these circumstances, children were forced to leave their homes. The environment and surroundings in which they lived, finding themselves faced with the inevitability of fleeing and migrating away from wars and their echoes. Moreover, the consequences of wars on them were not immediate, but extended over a period of time, leaving a defeated generation suffering from psychological disorders, and this may negatively affect the building of their future personality.