History : When an American squadron violated US neutrality laws, bombing Chefchaouen

In the 1920s, American Colonel Charles Sweeny proposed to the French to form a squadron to «support France’s war effort in Morocco». The squadron bombed Chefchaouen in a move that was condemned by the U.S. Department of State.

History : When Cartier created a waterproof watch exclusively for Thami El Glaoui

In the 1930s, Pasha Thami El Glaoui asked French watchmaker Cartier to create a waterproof watch for him to wear while swimming. After delivering it, Cartier lost track of the watch and ended up creating a line to honor the unique timepiece and its owner.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #2 : Amram Ben Diwan, born in Jerusalem and buried in Ouezzane

Born in Jerusalem, Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan traveled to Morocco in the eighteenth century as an emissary. In Ouezzane, his miracles made of him a saint who showered visitors with his blessings.

From Tetouan to Mali, the curious adventure of Moroccan merchant Abd Salam Shabeeny

Abd Salam Shabeeny is a Moroccan merchant who spent most of his life roaming Africa and the Middle East. His narrative was at the heart of a book that attracted British readers in 1820.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #1 : Khalifa Ben Malka, the saint of Agadir’s old cemetery

Every year, Jews gather in Morocco to conclude tomb pilgrimage. One of the tombs visited annually by the Moroccan Jewish community is the one of rabbi Khalifa Ben Malka who lived in the 17th century in Agadir.

History : When Moulay Ismail forcibly enslaved Haratin to establish a «black army»

By the end of the 17th century, sultan Moulay Ismail decided to forcibly enslave all «blacks» in the Kingdom, including those who were free. Inspired by the Saadi dynasty, the sultan wanted to create an army based on slavery which angered Muslim scholars in Fez.

Algeria : When Abdelaziz Bouteflika adopted a conciliatory stance towards Morocco

When Abdelaziz Bouteflika won presidential elections in Algeria, he promised to restore diplomatic ties with Morocco. However, once in power, the politician adopted a conciliatory stance towards the Kingdom.

History : When Moulay Ismail put Christian slaves to hard labor in Meknes

In the seveteenth century, sultan Moulay Ismail grouped Christian slaves in Meknes to build him a palace that would outshine «Louis XIV’s at Versailles». Trying to escape hard labor, these slaves paid smugglers to flee the powerful Alaouite sultan.

History : The UK feared Gaddafi would launch an air attack on Gibraltar through Morocco

The UK feared Gaddafi would launch an air attack against Gibraltar through Morocco. Unclassified documents, revealed that London took the threats seriously, giving military guidelines to its forces on the Rock.

History : When King Hassan II reached an agreement with Bouteflika on the Sahara issue

In 1999, and months after he passed away, King Hassan II reached an agreement with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the Western Sahara conflict, US Department of State document reveals.