Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #16 : Nissim Ben Nissim, the legendary saint of Ait Bayoud

Like many other Jewish saints in Morocco, Rabbi Nissim Ben Nissim is visited annually by Moroccan Jews. The Rabbi lived in Essaouira then Ait Bayoud during the nineteenth century.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #15 : Ouled Ben Zmirou, the mysterious saints of Safi

The Ben Zmirou brothers belong to a family that moved from Spain to Portugal and Morocco. They lived in Safi and gained the respect of both the Jewish and Muslim community, but their demise was mysterious.

Moroccan Goumiers, the only WWII soldiers to bring their women to the battlefield

During World War II, French authorities, which sent Moroccan soldiers to fight in Italy, decided to allow these tribesmen to bring their women to the battlefield. The policy was meant to help quell rape and pillage cause by the Goumiers.

Tobacco’s history in Morocco… when Muslim scholars prohibited smoking

Tobacco made its way to Morocco by the end of the sixteenth century, years after its consumption became a trend in Europe. In the Kingdom, however, smoking was considered a «sin» by Muslim scholars.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #14 : Rabbi Shlomo Bel Hench, Ourika’s beloved saint

Venerated by both Muslims and Jews, Rabbi Shlomo Bel Hench is the saint of Ourika. The Rabbi is known for the many legends that have been associated to his life and death throughout the years.

The account of Robinson Crusoe in Morocco... when Salé pirates shaped Western literature

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Salé pirates were so famous among Europeans that their activities inspired writers and journalists. The novel, Robinson Crusoe, was one of the books that portrayed some of the atrocities Christian slaves endured in Morocco.

William Eddy, the American missionary recruited as a spy in Tangier

Colonel William Eddy was an Arabic-speaking missionary, who studied the Quran and knew much about the Muslim world. During World War II, he was recruited by the United States to lead covert operations in Tangier.

Coffee in Morocco… from an illegal beverage to a daily household product

Drinking coffee in Morocco, is a privilege, according to those who think of the days when caffeine consumers were considered outsiders and criminals. History books recall the era when Muslim scholars forbade drinking coffee.

Sahara : When King Hassan II agreed to a referendum under international supervision

In 1981, King Hassan II of Morocco flew to the Kenyan capital to participate in an Organization of African Unity summit. In Nairobi, he announced that Morocco is ready to agree to a referendum on the self-determination of the Sahara. Three years later, the continental organization said yes to the «Sahrawi Republic’s», bid to join it as a full member.

Ahmed and Erna Hantout, the greatest love story of Morocco’s Romeo and Juliet

Just like Romeo and Juliet, Ahmed Hantout and Erna Else Hildegard Seidel fought for their love until the end, leaving Nazi Germany to settle down in Tangier and then Tetouan. Yabiladi traced back this love story, born in Berlin in the 30's, at a time when mixed marriages were forbidden.