Explore Morocco – past and present

A short (hi)story of Morocco

Looking back over a million years

To explore Morocco is to experience the cradle of humanity through the ages, to go in search of its wealth of cultures. Humanity’s relationship with Morocco goes back around 1,000,000 years.

Bridge between Africa and Europe

Echoes prevail of the Berbers, the Roman Empire, of French and Spanish colonialists that all tried to take for themselves this multifaceted country by the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Morocco has spent many years fighting for its independence. This eventful history is what makes a tour of Morocco so exciting. Discover modest Bedouin camps and desert villages, magnificent mosques and opulent palaces, colonial architecture and colossal fortresses.

Ancient Morocco

The Berber era

The Berbers settled Morocco in 2000 BCE, making them Morocco’s first people!
The Phoenicians and Carthaginians settled here in the 12th century BCE, setting up trading offices on the coast.
Welcome to Mauretania! The independent Berber kingdom was established in the 4th century BCE.
The Romans arrive in North Africa. For 400 years or so, from around 40 BCE, the Roman Empire brought the ‘Kingdom of Mauretania’ under its control. They built cities, engaged in commerce, and cultivated and sold olive oil and seafood. The area became a rich Roman province. The Berbers eventually succeeded in resisting this, and the Roman rulers retreated to the coast. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Byzantines tried to seize power – but their attempts failed.

Experience Morocco

From the Arabs to the Alaouites!

The Arabs conquered the region we now know as Morocco in around 700 CE. Numerous uprisings followed. Ultimately, the country adopted its new religion – Islam – and, of course, its new language, Arabic.
The Idrisid dynasty founded the independent state of Morocco. Their reign began in the 8th century, and they made Fez the capital: the country’s economic, religious, artistic and intellectual centre.
Various dynasties ruled over centuries of unrest – but, and from the end of the 10th century, there was an effort to unify the state. However, the Berbers rebelled and fought for their country.
The Alaouite dynasty began in the 17th century and continues to this day! Moulay Ismail made Meknes the capital and fought successfully against European powers, the Turks and the Berber uprisings. He also installed an efficient central government. Difficult times ensued after his death in 1727 …
The following decades were a time of uprisings, famine and epidemics. After the Arab empire collapsed, Morocco became a pawn in the hands of European powers …

Over the centuries, Morocco has had to focus on fighting for and defending its own territory.

Morocco

At the mercy of Europe

When the Portuguese and Spanish arrived, they occupied coastal cities and some of the inland territory. Morocco came increasingly under the influence of major European powers and lost its stability.
From the mid 19th century, the Alaouites brought new hope. They improved the economy and the administrative system, made trade agreements with Europe and the USA, and made peace with the rebel Bedouin and Berber tribes.
As the 19th century drew to a close, France, Spain and Germany showed great interest in North Africa. After a power struggle, France took control in 1911. A large part of northern Morocco became a French protectorate. Spain was also given two strips of land. When you tour Morocco, you also explore its colonial past.
We want freedom! Eventually, the Moroccan people were no longer willing or able to accept foreign rule. In 1921, the great revolt began, leading to the Rif War of 1921–26. The French and Spanish fought back hard and merciless.

Morocco is free!

The battle pays off

We want independence! Morocco continually stepped up its efforts for freedom and independence. Initially, Sultan (later King) Mohammed V sought peaceful cooperation with the French. But after the Second World War, he publicly demanded Moroccan independence. He was forced into exile. Riots spread throughout the country and Mohammed V became the figurehead of the resistance. He was the father of the independence the country had wanted for so long.
Morocco is finally free! Moroccan independence was ratified in 1956. Mohammed V became the new king in 1957.
40 years of modernisation by Hassan II: after King Mohammed’s death, his son Hassan II ascended the throne in 1961. He remained king for almost 40 years! He modernised the country and established a democratic constitution which afforded the king great power. His politics were Eurocentric, and he became an intermediary in Arab politics. He was also Morocco’s religious leader.
Long live the King! Mohammed VI, well-loved son of Hassan II, has ruled Morocco since 1999. The king aims to develop Morocco’s economy through investments, infrastructure projects, trade agreements and tourism initiatives. He also advocates for democracy and equal rights.

To experience Morocco is to see progress in action!