Ali Hassani, the Moroccan tumbler kidnapped by a circus troupe

Ali Hassani was a famous acrobat and circus man in England. He had his own performances and circus, but his story started in Marrakech, where he was kidnapped as a kid by a Spanish troupe.

History : When Morocco wanted the US Air Force to pull out of the Nouasseur Air Base

In 1951, the US built three military facilities in Morocco including the Nouasseur Air Base, now known as Mohammed V international airport. The Kingdom demanded Americans to pull out of the bases on its territory after it gained independence.

Bekkay I, the story of the first and the shortest government in Morocco

In December 1955, Morocco had its first government led by M'Barek Bekkay. The latter led another government before his cabinet was replaced by the one of Ahmed Balafrej.

The Last Temptation of Christ, when Scorsese shot an unusual version of Jesus’ life in Morocco

In 1987, American filmmaker Martin Scorsese chose Morocco among Tunisia and Israel for the shooting of his controversial movie «The Last Temptation of Christ». He opted for Moulay Ismail’s seventeenth century royal stables, the Roman ruins in Volubilis and a deserted village near Marrakech.

Othello, a Shakespeare’s tragedy shot in Morocco due to financial issues

Directed by American filmmaker and actor Orson Welles, Othello was shot in the Kingdom which stood in for Cyprus. The decision was made after Welles faced a couple of financial issues when producing the film.

«The Moroccan Goatherd», the story of Louis Lumière’s first movie about Morocco

In 1897, Louis Lumière directed one of the first movies to be shot in Morocco. «The Moroccan Goatherd» paved the way for the production of other films in the Kingdom.

History : Kharboucha, the tragic death of an Aita diva

In the plains of the Doukkala-Abda region, a nineteenth century woman who sang political texts, distinguished herself as a powerful singer. In her Aita, Kharboucha denounced the French colonial power and the practices of Caid Aissa Ben Omar, who put an end to her life in a tragic account.

History : When the subjects of Sultan Mohammed III signed the Free Moors petition in the USA

In 1790, the South Carolina legislature passed the Moor Sundry Act after four couples coming from Morocco signed a petition, demanding the authorities to grant them the status of white free people.

History : Cecil, the hotel patronized by the European royal families to be refurbished

Hotel Cecil, known for being a go to destination for European royal families, is reportedly going to be refurbished. The hostel was built in the 1860s and was visited by distinguished politicians and personalities.

The First Barbary War, when North African corsairs fought against the United States

Between 1801 and 1805, the United States fought a war against North African corsairs. Piracy was an important part of Morocco, Algeria, Tunis and Tripoli’s history which was not really appreciated by the Americans.