Soussi

Soussi refers to things related to the Souss region in southwestern Morocco, including its people, language, geography, and culture. The name derives from the Souss River (Wadi Souss) and the historic Souss Valley, an arid-to-semiarid corridor that supports dense palm groves and intensive agriculture along the Atlantic coast.

Geographically, the Souss region lies along the Atlantic Ocean between the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the north and the coast to the west. Its economy has long centered on irrigation-based agriculture in the Souss Valley, with crops such as citrus fruits, vegetables, and bananas playing a major role, complemented by fishing along the coast and growing tourism around coastal towns, notably Agadir. The region is also known for its palm groves and diverse landscapes, from coastal dunes to rugged inland areas.

People and language in the Soussi tradition are primarily Amazigh (Berber). The inhabitants speak Tachelhit (Shilha), a Berber language, and many identify culturally with the broader Amazigh heritage of the southwest. Islam is the predominant religion. The cultural life of the Soussi area features traditional music, crafts, and cuisine, with a blend of Berber and Atlantic coastal influences.

History and administration: The Souss region has ancient roots and has been influenced by various powers over the centuries, including pre-Islamic and Islamic civilizations, as well as colonial and post-colonial state structures. In modern Morocco, the area is largely encompassed within the Souss-Massa region, whose capital is Agadir. The designation Soussi is commonly used to describe people, dialect, and cultural elements associated with this region.