Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #19 : Isthak Ben Walid, the miraculous cane of Tetouan’s Rabbi

Rabbi Isthak Ben Walid held several positions within the Jewish community in Tetouan. For years his miracles marked the inhabitants of the city, especially those who believed in the powers of his miraculous cane.

Robert Purvis, an American nineteenth century abolitionist and his Moroccan grandmother Dido

Robert Purvis was one of the most committed American abolitionists in the nineteenth century. The activist drew strength from the story of his grandmother, a Moroccan woman who was enslaved and transported to the United States at the age of twelve.

Operation Lamantin, the only third-party military intervention into the Western Sahara conflict

In 1977, France became the first and only country to lead a third-party military intervention into the Western Sahara conflict. The military operation was conducted on behalf of Mauritania, which was targeted by the Front’s guerilla forces.

Four «pretenders» who claimed to be part of the Morocco royal family

Throughout the years, several people pretended to be part of the Moroccan royal family. While Bou Hmara pretended to be the eldest son of sultan Hassan I, Serge-Michel Bena, Hicham Mandari and an Israeli woman claimed to be «connected» to the late king Hassan II.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #18 : The three mysterious saints of Errachidia

The Jewish cemetery of Errachidia is home to three Jewish saints, namely Rabbi Yahia Lahlou, Rabbi Moul Tria and Rabbi Moul Sedra. Each one of them has a story to tell. 

The history of Morocco’s currency… from Hassani rial and Moroccan franc to dirhams

In 1881, Sultan Moulay El Hassan introduced the «Hassani rial» as a modern coinage for Moroccans. When French took control of Morocco «franc» replaced «rial». The latter was also replaced by «Moroccan dirham» when the Kingdom broke free from the French.

Red, white and other stars… the different flags Moroccan dynasties raised in the past

Throughout history, Moroccans raised different flags and emblems to distinguish themselves from other powers and nations. Red, however, was a favored color for several Moroccan dynasties.

Jewish Pilgrimage in Morocco #17 : Braham Moul Nesse, Azemmour’s guardian saint

Braham Moul Nesse is a Jewish saint buried in Azemmour near the city of El Jadida and whose Hiloula is celebrated during Lag Baomer, the Jewish rabbinical institution holiday generally celebrated in May.

In 1969, King Hassan II sent a message to the Moon

While stepping on the Moon for the first time, members of the Apollo 11 mission left a message of 73 leaders on the satellite. The message included a statement of King Hassan II, in which he saluted «the great brotherhood of men».

Morocco’s ancient capitals … three cities you never heard of

Aside from the list of capitals that everyone knows about, such as Rabat, Fes, Marrakech and Meknes, Morocco had several forgotten cities that served as capitals for short and brief periods. Here is a list of three of them.