Leaders of Morocco
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[edit] Moroccan Leaders
Historical Leaders of Morocco have helped to shape the country’s modern day culture and government. Dating back to 788, Morocco has been under the control of 10 different dynasties, with over 120 leaders. We will explore some of the most influential rulers of this African country.
Idris I was instrumental in founding the city of Fez during his reign from 778-793. From there, he established “the greatest center of Islamic learning outside Cairo” (Pennell, 11). Idris II succeeded his father’s thrown and sought to increase his territories, conquering every tribe and region in the country. Idris II was the first Sultan to have complete control of Morocco (Najeebabadi, 223).
During the 16th century, Ahmad Al-Mansur was announced Morocco’s ruler after the untimely death of his brother, who perished at the battle of Ksar el Kebir. Ahmad Al-Mansur gained prestige after his victory over Portugal and his capture of Timbuktu. With his newfound victories and the ransom treasures from the Portuguese, he was able to launch Morocco into a golden age, providing harmony and prosperity to his country (infoplease).
The seventeenth century marked the beginning of the Alawite dynasty, with Moulay Al-Rashid as the Sultan. His successful control of Fez in 1666 along with his successor’s continual conquests eventually allowed Morocco a period of peace and respect from its neighboring borders (Burke, 247).
In 1901, Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz joined forces with the British to help modernize and reform Morocco through public works programs, new taxes, a cabinet government and major efforts to reduce corruption. The Sultan’s efforts to create a new political system and better economy for the country failed because of his lack of powerful political resources and numerous financial issues, including Morocco’s depreciating currency (Pennell, 11).
The term “sultan” became obsolete when nationalists deemed the title “lacking in modernity” in the 1930’s and in turn, the new term “King” was adopted. Sultan Muhammad ben Yusef, more commonly known as Muhammad V, was the first of Morocco’s leaders to adopt the term “King” (Voll). He was also the one responsible for breaking ties from France and liberating Morocco. (Okar, 45).
King Hassan II, son of Muhammed V, died of a heart attack in July 1999 after a 38 year reign as King. He was the longest ruler in the history of the Arab world (CNN). His son, Sidi Muhammed, known to the Moroccan people as King Muhammed VI, succeeded his fathers thrown hours after he had passed, making him Morocco’s 18th king in the Alaouite dynasty (Muller). He has made economic expansion a main goal and has since vowed to improve Morocco’s government through freedom of speech and by making the political system more open. He also is a promoter of women’s rights in modern societal roles, to the objections and distain of Islamic fundamentalists (infoplease).
[edit] References
Burke, Peter. History of Humanity. Taylor and Francis publishing.
CIA. The World Factbook. 18, October, 2007. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mo.html#People. >
CNN News. <http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/africa/9907/25/hassan.04/index.html>
“Info Please”. <http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0802829.html>
Lust-Okar, Ellen. Structuring Conflict in the Arab World. Incumbents, Opponents, and Institutions
Muller, Tobias. Königliche Wahrheiten in Jungle World
NajeebabadI, Akbar Shah. The History of Islam, Volume Three. Darrusalem Publishing
Pennell, C.R. Morocco since 1830, a history. NYU Press, 2001.
Voll, John. Sultans, Saints and Presidents
