The idea of centralization was abandoned and the tribes allowed to preserve their autonomy. As "pacification" proceeded, with the Zaian War and the War of the Rif, the French government focused on the exploitation of Morocco's mineral wealth, and particularly its phosphates; the creation of a modern transportation system with trains and buses; and the development of a modern agricultural sector geared to the French market. HISTORY From 1912 to 1956 the country was divided into French and Spanish zones—two small Spanish-controlled areas, Ceuta and Melilla still remain today. [citation needed] In fact, just 50 years after the great Muslim prophet Muhammad died, Morocco became part of a larger Islamic empire called the Umayyads (pronounced ooo-my-ads), one of the largest empires in history. [citation needed] On 20 December 1777,[47] Morocco became one of the first states to recognize the sovereignty of a newly independent United States.[48]. [52] The Alliance Israélite Universelle opened its first school in Tetuan in 1862. ^ The area 446,550 km 2 (172,410 sq mi) excludes all disputed territories, while 710,850 km 2 (274,460 sq mi) includes the Moroccan-claimed and partially-controlled parts of Western Sahara (claimed as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic by the Polisario Front) Morocco also claims Ceuta and Melilla, making up about 22.8 km 2 (8.8 sq mi) more claimed territory. "Spain and Her Moroccan Protectorate, 1898–1927,", "Empire" as a description of foreign policy, This page was last edited on 15 February 2021, at 12:48. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Carthaginians in turn defeated them later. In 965, the Fatimid caliph al-Muizz invaded Morocco one last time and succeeded in establishing some order. Subsequent Moroccan kingdoms enjoyed political influence that extended beyond the coastal regions, and in the 11th century the first native Amazigh dynasty of North Africa, the Almoravids, gained control of an empire stretching from Andalusian (southern) Spain to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. [74] Through this agreement with Spain in 1956 and another in 1958, Moroccan control over certain Spanish-ruled areas was restored. The Culture Trip presents a history of one of Morocco’s Author of. Architecture in urban areas often c… Test your knowledge. 1. [80], The patriotism engendered by Morocco's participation in the Middle East conflict and by the events in Western Sahara contributed to Hassan's popularity. The kingdom was consolidated by Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672–1727), who began to create a unified state in the face of opposition from local tribes . [85], In July 2002, a crisis broke out with Spain over a small, uninhabited island lying just less than 200 meters from the Moroccan coast, named Toura or Leila by Moroccans and Perejil by Spain. [74], With the death of King Hassan II of Morocco in 1999, the more liberal Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed took the throne, assuming the title Mohammed VI. [74], In 1988, Morocco and the Polisario Front agreed on a United Nations (UN) peace plan, and a cease-fire and settlement plan went into effect in 1991. The political powers are shared between the king Muhammad VI (the sixth) and the Head of the Government. History of human habitation in Morocco spans since Lower Paleolithic, with the earliest known being Jebel Irhoud. [4] Indigenous Berber monarchs ruled the territory from the 3rd century BCE until 40 CE, when it was annexed to the Roman Empire. Up until the 14th century, as the northern terminus for the western trans-Sahara trade route, it was one of the most important trade centres in the Maghreb during the Middle Ages.[28]. The Almohad Caliphate was a Moroccan,[34][35] Berber Muslim movement founded in the 12th century. The conflict ended after Organisation of African Unity mediation, with no territorial changes. [17], By the 5th century BCE, the state of Carthage had extended its hegemony across much of North Africa. Throughout the centuries, many different groups have left their mark on the land, the effects of which can be clearly seen in the diverse The capital, Rabat, lies a short distance to the north on the Atlantic coast. The people of Morocco vote for Members of Parliament to speak for them and to help make laws for them. [citation needed], The Fatimids had assigned the Zirids, a Zenaga Berber clan centered in Ifriqiya, to watch their western dominions. They then extended their power over all of the Maghreb by 1159. [74], In September 2002, new legislative elections were held, and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) won a plurality. Hence, Roman administration never extended outside the restricted area of the northern coastal plain and valleys. Find out with these 77 interesting facts about Morocco! While still recognizing the Wattasids as Sultans until 1528, Saadians' growing power led the Wattasids to attack them and, after an indecisive battle, to recognize their rule over southern Morocco through the Treaty of Tadla. Most of its 1,800 km coastline is on the Atlantic Ocean, with about a quarter on the Mediterranean Sea. The CAM was reconstituted as a nationalist political party to gain mass support for more radical demands, but the French suppressed the party in 1937. [citation needed], In August 1974, Spain formally acknowledged the 1966 United Nations (UN) resolution calling for a referendum on the future status of the Western Sahara, and requested that a plebiscite be conducted under UN supervision. He acted cautiously, intent on preventing the Istiqlal from consolidating its control and establishing a one-party state. This strategic region formed part of the Roman Empire, governed as Mauretania Tingitana, with the city of Volubilis as its capital. The North African country borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco and the rest of North Africa were drawn into the emerging Mediterranean world by the Phoenicians as they established settlements and tr… Gradual political reforms in the 1990s culminated in the constitutional reform of 1996, which created a new bicameral legislature with expanded, although still limited, powers. Maxime RODINSON, « ALMORAVIDES », Encyclopædia Universalis [en ligne], consulté le 23 octobre 2014. The treaty of Fez triggered the 1912 Fez riots. The Barghawatas were a confederation of Berber groups inhabiting the Atlantic coast of Morocco, who belonged to the Masmuda Berber tribal division. He assumed the monarchy in 1957. An assembly of Saharan tribal leaders duly acknowledged Moroccan sovereignty. Spain, meanwhile, had declared that even in the absence of a referendum, it intended to surrender political control of Western Sahara, and Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania convened a tripartite conference to resolve the territory's future. The polity was founded in 710 AD by Salih I ibn Mansur through a Caliphate grant. However, following a period of political upheaval in June 1965, Hassan II assumed full legislative and executive powers under a "state of exception," which remained in effect until 1970. From 1509 to 1549, the Saadi rulers had control of only the southern areas. Under its provisions, the king remained the central figure in the executive branch of the government, but legislative power was vested in a bicameral parliament, and an independent judiciary was guaranteed. Controlled by Carthage from an early date, the region was later the westernmost province of the Roman Empire. The Polisario used Algerian bases for quick strikes against targets deep inside Morocco and Mauritania, as well as for operations in Western Sahara. Their involvement was crucial in preventing the fall of Al-Andalus. ^Official religion. About Morocco History Moroccans know a cultural blend of the diversity of resources between the African and Arab roots through Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and Saharan. The Midrarid dynasty or Banu Midrar were a Berber dynasty that ruled the Tafilalt region and founded the city of Sijilmasa in 757. The traditional domain of indigenous peoples now collectively known as Berbers (self-name Imazighen; singular, Amazigh), Morocco has been subject to extensive migration and has long been the location of urban communities that were originally settled by peoples from outside the region. Morocco’s largest city and major Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca, an industrial and commercial centre. During the reign of Juba II, the Augustus founded three colonies, with Roman citizens, in Mauretania close to the Atlantic coast: Iulia Constantia Zilil, Iulia Valentia Banasa, and Iulia Campestris Babba. The unity of Morocco did not survive his death — in the ensuing power struggles the tribes became a political and military force once again, and it was only with Muhammad III (1757–1790) that the kingdom was unified again. 2,000 years of Moroccan history from the Phoenician invasion to present-day conflicts over the status of the Western Sahara. Morocco assumed control over the northern two-thirds of the territory, and conceded the remaining portion in the south to Mauritania. [citation needed]. Although the country is rapidly modernizing and enjoys a rising standard of living, it retains much of its ancient architecture and even more of its traditional customs. The successful Portuguese efforts to control the Atlantic coast in the 15th century did not affect the interior of Morocco. The Morocco climate varies greatly from season to season, so the best time to visit Morocco is during either the spring/early summer months (April-early June) or the late summer/early fall months (late August-early November). Much later Morocco was part of Iberomaurusian culture, including Taforalt. Morocco Facts for Kids Learn some interesting information about Morocco while enjoying a range of fun facts and trivia that's perfect for kids! Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The Alaouite dynasty succeeded in maintaining the independence of Morocco in the 18th and 19th centuries, while other states in the region succumbed to Ottoman, French, or British domination. Morocco is a Muslim state and the legal system is based on Islamic law. French civil servants allied themselves with the French settlers and with their supporters in France to prevent any moves in the direction of Moroccan autonomy. In 2nd ce… Beginning in 1549, the region was ruled by successive Arab dynasties known as the Sharifian dynasties, who claimed descent from the prophet Muhammad. The king had dispatched Moroccan troops to the Sinai front after the outbreak of the Arab-Israeli War in October 1973. The sultan agreed to institute reforms that would transform Morocco into a constitutional monarchy with a democratic form of government. Casablanca, the film named after the Moroccan city, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, won the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture in 1942 and is considered one of the best films of all time. The Maghreb also had far greater known wealth than the rest of Africa, and its location near the entrance to the Mediterranean gave it strategic importance. [74], In early 1976, Spain ceded the administration of the Western Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania. [60] The Agadir Crisis increased tensions among the powerful European countries, and resulted in the Treaty of Fez (signed on 30 March 1912), which made Morocco a protectorate of France. Morocco passed out of Umayyad and Abbasid control, and fragmented into a collection of small, independent Berber states such as Berghwata, Sijilmassa and Nekor, in addition to Tlemcen and Tahert in what is now western Algeria. The King is the head of state(Person in charge of the country) and the most important person. [82] Although they arrived too late to engage in hostilities, the action won Morocco goodwill among other Arab states. [43] The Wattasid dynasty was also in power during the Expulsion of Jews from Spain and Expulsion of the Jews from Portugal and saw many of those Jews seek refugee in Morocco. The Maghreb (as the Northern Africa area is called) was a fertile savannah then and not at all like todays modern arid landscape. [21] During that period, the area controlled by Rome experienced significant economic development, aided by the construction of Roman roads. Even though the UN Security Council created a peacekeeping force to implement a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara, it has yet to be held, periodic negotiations have failed, and the status of the territory remains unresolved. Morocco then annexed the entire territory and, in 1985 built a 2,500-kilometer sand berm around three-quarters of Western Sahara. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. For a more-detailed treatment of earlier periods and of the country in its regional However, buoyed by the increasing defection of tribal chiefs to its cause, the Polisario drew up a constitution, and announced the formation of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), and itself formed government-in-exile. The area was initially not completely under the control of Rome, and only in the mid-2nd century was a limes built south of Sala extending to Volubilis. Some historians believe the Roman frontier reached present-day Casablanca, known then as Anfa, which had been settled by the Romans as a port. set up depots for salt and ore along the coast and up the rivers of the territory of present-day Morocco. However, dissent remained, revolving around complaints of widespread corruption and malfeasance in government. After having succeeded in repelling Christian forces in 1086, Yusuf returned to Iberia in 1090 and annexed most of the major taifas.[33]. Schismatic and heretical movements also developed, usually as forms of political protest. [64], Morocco was home to half a million Europeans,[65] most of whom settled in Casablanca, where they formed almost half the population. Additional arrests followed in June 2004. Africa’s Highest Ski Resort Is In Morocco Located about The town's history was marked by several successive invasions by Berber dynasties. The French Foreign Minister Théophile Delcassé saw the opportunity to stabilize the situation and expand the French overseas empire. The fossilized bones of a 400,000-year-old early human ancestor were discovered in Salé in 1971. Visiting a beautiful and fascinating country like Morocco promises us a great deal of fun. In August 1979, after suffering military losses, Mauritania renounced its claim to Western Sahara and signed a peace treaty with the Polisario. [24], In 740 AD, spurred on by puritanical Kharijite agitators, the native Berber population revolted against the ruling Ummayad Caliphate. Destruction of Casablanca caused by the 1907 French bombardment. Uprisings in Casablanca in July 1907 over the application terms of the Treaty of Algeciras led to the Bombardment of Casablanca. He was succeeded in 1961 by his son, Hassan II, who ruled for 38 years and played a … [22] The Berbers went on to shape their own version of Islam. [27], Sijilmasa was a medieval Moroccan city and trade entrepôt at the northern edge of the Sahara desert. Its area—excluding the territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco controls—is slightly larger than the U.S. state of California. That's why Infoplease has plucked out essential details to get you started. [citation needed] Soon after, the attention of the government turned to the acquisition of Western Sahara from Spain, an issue on which all major domestic parties agreed. The abolition of the Spanish protectorate and the recognition of Moroccan independence by Spain were negotiated separately and made final in the Joint Declaration of April 1956. [citation needed], After 1060 a few Berber dynasties rose to power south of the Atlas Mountains and expanded their rule northward, replacing local rulers. General Hubert Lyautey wanted a more aggressive military policy using his French army based in Algeria. Today, the Head of Government is Abdelilah Benkiran. Morocco borders Algeria to the east and southeast, Western Sahara to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. His rule saw significant political unrest, and the ruthless government response earned the period the name "the years of lead". Almoravid power began to decline in the first half of the 12th century, as the dynasty was weakened after its defeat at the battle of Ourique and because of the agitation of the Almohads. [78], After neighbouring Algeria's 1962 independence from France, border skirmishes in the Tindouf area of south-western Algeria escalated in 1963 into what is known as the Sand War. Some of its earliest recorded history relates to Phoenician and Carthaginian settlements such as Lixus and Chellah. In the mid-5th century AD, it was overrun by Vandals, before being recovered by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. The Kingdom of Nekor was an emirate centered in the Rif area of Morocco. Also in 2003, Berber-language instruction was introduced in primary schools, prior to introducing it at all educational levels. The Zirids, however, were unable to prevent Morocco from spinning out of their control and crumbling into the hands of a collection of local Zenata Berber chieftains, most of them clients of the Caliph of Cordoba, such as the Maghrawa in the region of Fez and itinerant rivals, the Banu Ifran to the east. [67] After proclaiming independence on 18 September 1921, the polity developed state and governing institutions such as tax collection, law enforcement and the organisation of an army. Morocco Facts | Morocco Map Morocco is located on the African continent. A UN visiting mission reported in October 1975 that an overwhelming majority of the Saharan people desired independence. 2. An eclectic blend of Middle Eastern mystery, Berber culture, & European flair, our interesting Morocco facts transport you to a land of exciting diversity. The Ḥasan II mosque rising above the medina, or old city, in Casablanca, Morocco. Morocco, in December 1777, became the first nation to recognize the United States, and together they maintain the United States’ longest unbroken treaty. The assassination of Émile Mauchamp March 1907, which precipitated the French invasion of Oujda and the conquest of Morocco. [20], Rome controlled the vast, ill-defined territory through alliances with the tribes rather than through military occupation, expanding its authority only to those areas, that were economically useful or that could be defended without additional manpower. [73] The résidence, supported by French economic interests and vigorously backed by most of the colons, adamantly refused to consider even reforms short of independence. Subsequently, a reform constitution was approved, restoring limited parliamentary government, and new elections were held. The Wattasid dynasty were a ruling dynasty of Morocco. In July 1971 and again in August 1972, the regime was challenged by two attempted military coups. Attempts by Europeans to establish permanent footholds in Morocco beginning in the late 15th century were largely repulsed, but the country later became the subject of Great Power politics in the 19th century. Updates? As you travel across Morocco, you will discover it is a land of art and history, the country alone has hosted Berbers, Phoenicians, Arabs, South (Sub-Saharan African) and North (Romans, Vandals, Spanish-Andalusians, both – Source 2. Capital: Rabat Population: 36,471,769 Brief History of Morocco: Morocco is located strategically at the entry to the Mediterranean Sea. Augustus would eventually found twelve colonies in the region. By the Tangier Protocol signed in December 1923, Tangier received special status and became an international zone,[61] although, during World War II, it was occupied from 1940 to 1945 by Francoist Spain. The army and administration were also modernized to consolidate control over the Berber and Bedouin tribes. In 859, the kingdom became subject to a 62 ship-strong group of Vikings, who defeated a Moorish force in Nekor that had attempted to interfere with their plunderings in the area. Soon after, however, the Fatimids shifted their empire eastward to Egypt, with a new capital in Cairo. The Germans, who had no established presence in the region, strongly protested. [74], The war against the Polisario guerrillas put severe strains on the economy, and Morocco found itself increasingly isolated diplomatically. In the 12th century B.C Phoenicians were the first invaders to the country who conquered most of the coastal regions easily. However, fragments of the Almoravids (the Banu Ghaniya) continued to struggle in the Balearic Islands and in Tunisia. Under Yusuf ibn Tashfin, the Almoravids were invited by the Muslim taifa princes of Al-Andalus to defend their territories from the Christian kingdoms. The city of Fès is said to have some of the finest souks, or open-air markets, in all of North Africa. The King of Morocco, Hassan II grabbed the radio during an assassination attempt and told the rebel pilots who… [75] Two years later, faced with a united Moroccan demand for the sultan's return and rising violence in Morocco, as well as a deteriorating situation in Algeria, the French government brought Mohammed V back to Morocco, and the following year began the negotiations that led to Moroccan independence. [71], Many Moroccan Goumiers, or indigenous soldiers in the French army, assisted the Allies in both World War I and World War II. [citation needed] In January 1944, the Istiqlal (Independence) Party, which subsequently provided most of the leadership for the nationalist movement, released a manifesto demanding full independence, national reunification, and a democratic constitution. They also paid taxes and tribute to the new Muslim administration. The coastal regions of present-day Morocco in the early Neolithic shared in the Cardium pottery culture that was common to the entire Mediterranean region. [51][63] In practice, the sultan had no real power and the country was ruled by the colonial administration. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The ruins of the town lie for 8 kilometres (5 mi) along the River Ziz in the Tafilalt oasis near the town of Rissani. In retribution, Muhammad Zarqtuni bombed Casablanca's Marché Central in the European ville nouvelle on Christmas of that year. Morocco, as with most African countries, had a complicated and sometimes turbulent history. Scenic and fertile, Morocco well merits the praise of a native son, the medieval traveler Ibn Baṭṭūṭah, who wrote that “it is the best of countries, for in it fruits are plentiful, and running water and nourishing food are never exhausted.”. Tens of thousands of colons, or colonists, entered Morocco and acquired large tracts of the rich agricultural land. They supported the Kingdom of Granada in Al-Andalus in the 13th and 14th centuries; an attempt to gain a direct foothold on the European side of the Strait of Gibraltar was however defeated at the Battle of Río Salado in 1340 and finished after the Castilian conquest of Algeciras from the Marinids in 1344.[42]. Under his guidance, the local Berber tribes adopted Islam, but later deposed him in favor of one az-Zaydi from the Nafza tribe. [66] Since the kingdom's independence in 1956, and particularly after Hassan II's 1973 Moroccanization policies, the European element has largely departed. History of Morocco, experience the modern and ancient historic past events, people and governments of Morocco - Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Travel Guides and Travel Information Hi there, we use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Sultan Hassan I called for the Madrid Conference of 1880 in response to France and Spain's abuse of the protégé system, but the result was an increased European presence in Morocco—in the form of advisors, doctors, businessmen, adventurers, and even missionaries. History of human habitation in Morocco spans since Lower Paleolithic, with the earliest known being Jebel Irhoud. The northern part became the Spanish protectorate in Morocco, while the southern part was ruled from El Aaiun as a buffer zone between the Spanish Colony of Saguia El Hamra and Morocco. The country is associated with a rich history and culture that make it a unique place worthy of a visit. Throw some richly covered pillows in a reading corner, make some mosaics and listen to an African story to set the mood on fact finding about Morocco’s rich and varied culture. [23], The indigenous Berber tribes adopted Islam, but retained their customary laws. Overview and Analysis of the Conflict", "Moroccan feminist groups campaign to reform Moudawana (Personal Status Code/Islamic family law), 1992–2004 | Global Nonviolent Action Database", "Europe | Solution to island dispute 'closer, "The Kaplans in Morocco: Distinctive duo realizing a dream as they live politics and protocol 24/7", "Africa's first high speed line covers its costs", "Human mitochondrial DNA sequence variation in the Moroccan population of the Souss area", Independence of Spanish continental Americas, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, northernmost France, Law of coartación (which allowed slaves to buy their freedom, and that of others), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Morocco&oldid=1006903712, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2014, All articles with vague or ambiguous time, Vague or ambiguous time from October 2014, Articles with disputed statements from October 2018, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2019, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from October 2014, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2014, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2013, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Chandler, James A. The Berber kings ruled in the shadow of the Carthage and Rome. Although the insurrection petered out in 742 AD before it reached the gates of Kairouan, neither the Umayyad rulers in Damascus nor their Abbasid successors managed to re-impose their rule on the areas west of Ifriqiya. [62], The treaties nominally assured Morocco of its legal status as a sovereign state, with the sultan as its figurehead.

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