Khalid Aboubi, a Marrakech native and cycling enthusiast, explores and documents the history of his city’s streets and neighborhoods, sharing stories and insights through social media. Driven by a passion for history, he relies on both research and local folklore to preserve the city’s heritage.
In 1839, sultan Abd al-Rahman ibn Hisham of Morocco sent a pair of lions to the US consulate in Tangier as a present for President Martin Van Buren. The gift was impossible to refuse and was shipped to the US by 1840.
In 1627, the newly founded Republic of Salé sent two ambassadors to London to negotiate a treaty. England was planning to turn the republic into a military base for a joint action against Spain.
Sent by Alaouite Sultan Mohammed IV to the Court of Napoleon III, Driss Al Amraoui, son of a scholar, left a tale of his wonder for printing machines, new technologies and the situation of women in France.
Sent by Sultan Moulay Ismail to the court of King Carlos II of Spain, Mohamed Al Ghassani was tasked with the mission of releasing Muslim captives and retrieve Morocan manuscripts lost in the Iberian country.
Sent by Alaouite Sultan Mohammed III to the court of King Carlos III of Spain, Mohamed Ben Othman Al Meknassi had to discuss the release of another ambassador who was held hostage in Malta.
British lawyer George Sale was the first man to conduct a direct English translation of the Quran. His 1733 translation contained notes and an interpretation of Muslims’ manners and laws.
During the 12th century, French abbot Peter the Venerable tried to introduce Islam to Christians in Europe through a book that ridiculed the religion. In his summary book, Peter gave an erroneous image of Islam, portraying it as a heresy.
In the 1700s, American statesman Thomas Jefferson purchased a copy of the Quran. Historical records suggest that the third President of the US bought the book as a law student while others say he studied it to better understand his Muslim enemies in North Africa.