Throne Day, when nationalists «invented» Morocco’s first civic celebration

In November 1933, Moroccans celebrated the first Throne Day, honoring sultan Mohammed ben Youssef. The holiday was introduced by nationalists and inspired by an Algerian poet, aimed at countering the symbols and rituals imposed by the French.

Ahmad Al-Mansur, the Moroccan sultan who was obsessed with conquering America

In 1601, sultan Ahmad Al-Mansur couldn’t hide his obsession with America. The Saadi ruler wanted to conquer the New World and make Moroccans populate the land with the help of Queen Elizabeth I.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco # 7: Shlomo Aben Danan, Fez’ most famous Dayans of all time

Rabbi Shlomo Aben Danan is one of the most famous Dayans the city of Fez has ever had. The Jewish saint lays in the city’s most renowned synagogue.

Mohammed Ben Arafa, Morocco’s unpopular sultan and the story of his unmarked grave

When the French realized that nationalists were close to Sultan Mohammed ben Youssef, they dethroned him and replaced him with his cousin Mohammed Ben Arafa. The latter remained sultan for two years before being banned from living in Morocco.

Sahara : When Algerian president Houari Boumediene promised to help king Hassan II

In 1974, Algeria promised to help Morocco retrieve the Sahara. The second President of Algeria Houari Boumediene had even offered to support Morocco in its conflict with Spain. However, the neighboring country’s position changed after the Green March.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #6 : Rabbi Raphael Berdugo, Meknes’ dayan and scholar

Rabbi Raphael Berdugo was the Rabbi of Meknes and a renowned scholar who was the author of several books. Berguda was known as «Raphael the Angel» by the Jewish community in Morocco during the beginning of the 19th century.

History : When two men disguised as Moroccan pilgrims tried to steal the Prophet’s tomb

Historical accounts suggest that in 557 A.H, two men disguised as Moroccan pilgrims, planned to steal to the Prophet’s grave in Madina. The story is linked to an Egyptian sultan and a dream he saw.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #5 : David Ben Barroukh, the legacy of Taroudant’s saint

David Ben Barroukh is the beloved saint of Taroudant, in the Souss Valley. The name of this Jewish saint, visited yearly by Jewish pilgrims, is associated with several legends and accounts.

Charles Sumner, the American senator who saw Morocco as a replica of slave-holding states

During the 19th century, the North region of the United States fought against slavery and the states that wanted to maintain the practice. Denouncing the heinous system, American senator Charles Sumner compared slave-holding states to Morocco, where slavery was a common practice.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #4 : David Ou Moshe and the miracles of Agouim’s saint

Rabbi David Ou Moshe is a Jewish saint who is buried in Agouim, a small village near Ouarzazate. Ou Moshe, was born in Jerusalem, and is known to Moroccan Jews for his many miracles.