The History, Religion and Culture of Morocco

To appreciate a fine wine doesn't require a knowledge of viniculture. Similarly, you can enjoy a holiday in Morocco without knowing anything of the country's history or culture.  However, those who take a little time to acquaint themselves with Morocco's rich history and cultural traditions will have both a better appreciation of the country they intend to visit and an understanding of its social and religious sensibilities.

The History of Morocco

Morocco is located in a strategically important position, at the gateway between North Africa and Europe, and as a result has suffered more than its fair share of power struggles, conflicts and invasions over the years as various factions and foreign powers have sought to control the country. Morocco's recorded history stretches back nearly 3000 years, to a period when it came successively under the control of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans, but archaeological evidence shows that the country has been settled for something in excess 30,000 years.

Substantial tomes have been written about Morocco's history, which will make excellent background reading for students of archaeology or Moroccan history, but otherwise may prove heavy going. For those prepared to accept a 'potted history', the defining moment in Morocco's past, one that shaped the country as it is today, occurred towards the end of the seventh century with the arrival of the Arabs and Islam. The Arab invaders were looking to extend their territory to the west and after a number of minor incursions, the first of which occurred in 681, they succeeded in 705 in wresting control of a large swathe of Morocco. The indigenous Berber population were strongly opposed to the imposition of both Arab rule and the Islamic faith, and bloody battles were fought between the opposing factions for much of the ensuing century.

The situation was further complicated in the last quarter of the eighth century, with the Islamic faith dividing into two sects, the Sunni and Shia, which fought each other for control of the Islamic world. In 786, the Sunnis overcame the Shi'ites and Idriss ibn Abdallah was installed as the religious leader in Morocco. Three years later, the Berber tribe which occupied the land around Volubilis made Idriss their leader. Idriss I set in motion the construction of a new city, Fes, as the centrepiece to his kingdom, a project which was completed by his son, Idriss II, who succeeded him to power in 793.

The Idrissids are considered to be the first of the six dynasties that have ruled Morocco from the late eighth century to the present day. Combining the role of sovereign and head of the Islamic faith lent greater weight to the ruler's control, which is not to say that there weren't turbulent times over the ensuing centuries. However, the dynastic system of rule operated unchallenged until the end of the 19th century, when the French by degrees forced their authority on the country and ultimately, in 1912, imposed colonial rule. The period under the Protectorate was not wholly bad for Morocco, as the French did much to stabilise the economy and improve the country's infrastructure. Indeed, the French approach to town planning in Morocco was remarkably sympathetic, preserving much of Morocco's built heritage in the historic towns and cities, while building nouvelle villes or new towns on the periphery, many of which contain fine examples of art deco architecture. However, the whole process of colonial rule disempowered the indigenous Moroccan people and by the time of the Second World War it was becoming apparent that such arrangements were unsustainable. In 1955, the Moroccan ruler returned from exile as King Mohammed V and the Protectorate finally came to an end three years later.

King Mohammed V died unexpectedly in 1961 and his eldest son succeeded him as King Hassan II. An astute politician, King Hassan's 38 year reign did much to cement relations with the Western world and there was even talk of Morocco joining the European Union. Following King Hassan's death in 1999, his eldest son ascended the throne as King Mohammed VI. Immediately popular on account of his youth, Mohammed VI faces great challenges to lead his country, which has endemic problems of poverty, illiteracy and high youth unemployment, into a new era of political freedom, social stability and economic prosperity.