Toponyms’ contribution to identity: The case study of Rabat (Morocco)

Place names in Rabat, Morocco, serve as powerful symbols that transcend their functional role to shape community identity and convey transgenerational meaning. This study reveals that toponyms are not merely markers of location but act as vectors of imposed identity and ideology, reflecting deeper cultural narratives embedded in the landscape. Through a qualitative case study approach, researchers employed semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to analyze how place names influence self-identification among residents. The findings underscore the symbolic significance of toponymy in constructing collective identities, offering insights into how spatial naming processes reinforce social and historical ideologies.

Alasli, M. (2019). Toponyms’ contribution to identity: The case study of Rabat (Morocco). Proceedings of the ICA, 2, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.5194/ica-proc-2-3-2019