History of Morocco

The study of Morocco has led me to the following thesis. Morocco’s unique geographical

location in Africa combined with its long and rich history make it a must visit country on any

world traveler list.

            Morocco is in the northwest corner of Africa. It borders Algeria and the disputed area of

Western Sahara. It has an extensive coastline that is over 1,700 kilometers and includes the

Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea is connected

by the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar also separates Morocco from Spain. The

separation is small. The Strait of Gibraltar is 36 miles long and ranges from 8 to 27 miles

wide.[1] The crossroad of Africa and Europe lies in Morocco.[2]

(Map of Morocco. Credit: http://www.operationworld.org/country/moro/owtext.html)

Physical evidence shows that Morocco was first inhabited by the Berbers around 3,000

to 2,000 BC.[3] These ancient people left behind cave paintings and rock art which can

viewed today.[4] The Berbers call themselves the Amazigh.[5] Many of the people that live in

Morocco today are Berbers but there are many people who identify as Arab Berber, a mixture of

Arab and Berber.[6]

(Morocco rock art. credit: https://africanrockart.org/rock-art-gallery/morocco/)

            Around the 12^th century BC the first invaders came to Morocco. The invaders were 

Phoenicians who originated from modern day  Lebanon.[7] Phoenicians brought the alphabet and

expert trading skills.[8]

            The next major foreign dominance of Morocco was from Carthage. The city of Carthage

started to really expand and gain wealth after Phoenicians settled there who fled the city of Tyre

as it was being destroyed by Alexander the Great in 332 BC.[9] Carthage became independent of

the Phoenicians and ruled a vast empire that included North Africa, southern Spain,

Mediterranean Islands like Sardinia and Corsica and parts of Sicily.[10]

(Carthaginian Empire map. credit: https://turmoilinmena.wordpress.com/2015/09/11/introduction-to-tunisia-and-some-tunisian-current-events/)

            Morocco came under Roman control after Rome’s victory over Carthage in the Punic

Wars.[11] Evidence of the Roman period can be seen in the ruins of the ancient city Volubilis

which still stands today. This is a United Nations world heritage site and is very popular with

international tourists.[12]

(Volubilis, Morocco  credit: http://alcfezbook.com/volubilis-and-meknes-trip-for-alc-and-alif-students-2/)

            The culture and religion of modern day Morocco starts with the Arab invasion and

Islamic conquests of the 7^th century AD.[13] Berbers were able to regain political control from the

Arabs in 740 AD.[14] The Berbers converted to Islam before they regained control. Once they

regained control of Morocco they kept Islam as the majority religion.

            The spread of Islam inspired the Arabs and Berbers to invade Spain in the 8^th century.

There is some speculation that the people of Spain initially welcomed the invasion because they

were very unhappy with the ruling Visigoths as the Roman Empire crumbled.[15] Over time the

Christians in Spain slowly took back territory. The Spaniards called the mix of Berbers and

Arabs, Moors. The last Moors in Spain were defeated in Granada in 1492.[16]

(Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Architecture of the Moors. credit:http://wordsabouttravel.com/travel/spain/granada/visiting-the-alhambra-palace-in-granada-spain/)

Many places in Africa had no contact with Europe until Colonialization. Morocco’s

unique geographical location meant that it had constant contact with Europe and Asia for

thousands of years. You can architecture in Spain and Morocco that reflects these interactions

over thousands of years.

            After 1492 Spain held territories in Morocco. Today Spain still controls two cities in

Morocco along the Mediterranean coastline. These cities are Ceuta and Melilla.[17] You could visit

Morocco and go to one of these two cities and technically be in Spain.

(Ceuta and Melilla credit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14114627)

            From 1912 to 1956 Morocco was a Protectorate of France. France and Spain signed an

agreement that allowed Spain to continue to control the territories they had established from

the 15^th century.[18] Some of this territory included the Western Sahara which is a source of

controversy today.[19]

(Western Sahara credit: http://westernsahararesourcecenter.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-is-western-sahara.html)

            In 1956 Morocco became an independent nation. Its government is a constitutional

monarchy with a parliament. The present King is Mohammed VI. King Mohammed VI is a

direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed therefore his title also includes “Commander of

the Faithful”.[20]         

(King Mohammed VI  credit: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/10/200191/king-mohammed-vi-appoints-a-lawyer-to-defend-saad-lamjared/)

            Perhaps from reading the history of Morocco you might think that it would be a country

that is intolerant of religions other than Islam. Morocco has a long history of tolerance towards

Judaism. Jews have been living in Morocco for thousands of years. Some people speculate Jews

first arrived in Morocco during the reign of King Solomon. Before Islam some of the Berber

tribes even converted to Judaism.[21] Jews were welcomed in Morocco who were fleeing Spain

during the Spanish Inquisition. During World War II, King Mohammed V of Morocco

refused to comply with the French Vichy Government and turn over Jews to Nazi Germany.[22]

During World War II there was over 250,000 people in the Jewish community in Morocco. Since

the nation of Israel was established many Jews have left Morocco for Israel. Today it is

estimated that less than 5,000 Jews remain in Morocco. King Mohammed VI has instructed the

government to preserve Jewish cultural and historical sites before there are not any Jews left in

Morocco.[23]

(King Mohammed VI visiting a synagogue in Casablanca, Morocco. credit: https://www.bladi.net/mohammed-6-synagogue-video,46879.html)

             This is just a brief history of Morocco over the past 5,000 years. Morocco is one of the

few places in the world where you can witness history of the world’s most influential

monotheistic religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It has a hospitable Mediterranean

climate along the coasts and a rich culture which includes amazing food, diverse history, and

impressive geography. It is certainly a country worth visiting.

(Marrakech, Morocco.  credit: http://impressivemagazine.com/2014/02/24/30-facts-know-visiting-morocco/

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[1] Swearingen, Will D., Susan Gilson Miller, Nevill Barbour, Abdallah Laroui, and L. Carl Brown. "Morocco." Encyclopædia Britannica. November 23, 2017. Accessed December 01, 2017. https://www.britannica.com/place/Morocco.

[2] "History of Morocco | Morocco Information." Marokko Informatie. Accessed December 20, 2017. https://www.marokko-info.nl/history-of-morocco/.

[3] The Political and Economic History of Morocco. Accessed December 20, 2017. http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/morocco.htm.

[4] "Morocco - Trust For African Rock Art". Last modified 2017. Accessed November 10, 2017. https://africanart.org/rock-art-gallery/morocco/.

[5] Brett, Michael. "Berber." Encyclopædia Britannica. January 21, 2016. Accessed December 20, 2017. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Berber.

[6] IBID.

[8] "History of Morocco | Morocco Information." Marokko Informatie. Accessed December 20, 2017. https://www.marokko-info.nl/history-of-morocco/.

[9] “Phoenicia." Geography. Accessed December 20, 2017. http://geography.name/phoenicia/.

[10] Mark, Joshua J. "Carthage." Ancient History Encyclopedia. April 28, 2011. Accessed December 20, 2017. https://www.ancient.eu/carthage/.

[11] “Carthage" Geography. Accessed December 20, 2017. http://geography.name/carthage/.

[12] Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Archaeological Site of Volubilis." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Accessed December 18, 2017. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/836.

[13] "History & Politics." Our Africa. Accessed December 20, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/history-politics.

[14] IBID.

[15] "List your Spain or Canary Isles Holiday Rental or B&B FREE of CHARGE." History of Spain - The Moors. Accessed December 18, 2017. https://www.spanish-web.com/history/moors.php.

[16]"History & Politics." Our Africa. Accessed December 20, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/history-politics.

[17] "History of Morocco - Discover an Ancient Land." Morocco.com - Morocco Channel. Accessed December 11, 2017. http://www.morocco.com/culture/ancient-morocco.

[18] IBID.

[19] "History & Politics." Our Africa. Accessed December 20, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/history-politics.

[20]  "History of Religion in Morocco." Islam in Morocco - History of Religion | Travel Blog | About Us | Naturally Morocco. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html

[21] "A guide to jewish heritage in morocco." A Guide to Jewish Heritage in Morocco. 2017. Accessed December 19, 2017. http://www.travel-exploration.com/page.cfm/Jewish-Heritage.

[22]  "History & Politics." Our Africa. Accessed December 20, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/history-politics.

[23} IBID.

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Morocco - Ancient and Indigenous religions

Since the 7^th century AD Morocco has been dominated by one religion, Islam. Christianity has not had an impact in Morocco since then. However, Morocco and Spain have had periods of invasion and occupation by each side. Therefore, there was a Muslim influence in Spain and a Christian influence in Morocco. Islam and Christianity have had major political impacts on Morocco and its relationship with the Arab world and Europe. 

Ancient history of Morocco does not shed much light on religious beliefs of indigenous people of Morocco. What we do know is that Judaism flourished in Morocco and was present long before the Roman Empire. There are stories of entire indigenous tribes of Berbers being Jewish in ancient Morocco. Jewish people have lived in Morocco for thousands of years. The last few decades have seen a mass exodus of Jews from Morocco. Around World War II there were 250,000 Jews in Morocco but today there are under 10,000. In a bit of irony, Jewish people actually moved from Spain to Morocco in the 15th century because of persecution from Catholic leadership in Spain at that time.

In the latter stages of the Roman Empire Christianity was introduced to Morocco. The Visigoths brought a type of Christianity called Arianism. Later on there was a strong Byzantine Christian presence. 

(Emperor Constantine)

Before the Romans officially became Christian the state religion throughout the Empire was a polytheistic religion that incorporated Greek mythology. 

(Roman god of Jupiter)

Before the Roman Empire the Phoenicians landed in Morocco. 

 (Phoenician god of Baal)

The settlements the Phoenicians established later turned into the Carthaginian Empire. Like the Romans, the Carthaginians had a polytheistic type of religion.

 (Ba'al Hammon, king of the gods)

 References

"Western North Africa (The Maghrib), 500 - 1000 A.D." The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2017. Accessed December 18, 2017. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/06/afw.html.

"A guide to jewish heritage in morocco." A Guide to Jewish Heritage in Morocco. 2017. Accessed December 19, 2017. http://www.travel-exploration.com/page.cfm/Jewish-Heritage.

Cartwright, Mark. "Phoenician Religion." Ancient History Encyclopedia. April 16, 2014. Accessed December 19, 2017. https://www.ancient.eu/Phoenician_Religion/.

Wasson, Donald L. "Roman Religion." Ancient History Encyclopedia. November 13, 2013. Accessed December 19, 2017. https://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Religion/.

Morocco - natural resources

Morocco is the 5^th largest economy in Africa accounted for by GDP. [1]

The number one natural resource of Morocco is phosphate. It is the third-largest producer in the world. Only the United States and China produces more. [2] 

Even more phosphate was acquired with the acquiring of land in Western Sahara. [3]

Seafood is a major industry for Morocco. 

Morocco has over 1,700 kilometers of coastline which includes the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. [4]

Salt is abundant in salt fields near the coastlines. [5] Moroccan salt is excellent for cooking.

Other mineral resources include: [6]

Iron Ore

Lead

Manganese

Zinc

Gold

Copper

Cobalt

Nickel

Antimony

Tungsten

Molybdenum

Tin

Uranium

Silver

Most of Morocco has anywhere from 330 to 350 days of sun a year. [7] King Mohammed VI wants Morocco to take advantage of this opportunity and transform Morocco into a solar power leader. By 2020 Morocco will supply 40% of its energy by solar. [7]

The climate of Morocco enables the successful agriculture of certain products like olive oil. [8]

Oil and Gas have not been discovered in Morocco or near its coastlines. However, there are indications of oil deposits off the coast of Western Sahara. [9] This contributes to the ongoing tension between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

1 "MIDDLE EAST AND NORTHERN AFRICA." Tempsiterritori - Economy and natural resources of morocco. Accessed December 17, 2017. http://tempsiterritori.wikispaces.com/Economy and natural resources of morocco.

2 "MIDDLE EAST AND NORTHERN AFRICA." Tempsiterritori - Economy and natural resources of morocco. Accessed December 17, 2017. http://tempsiterritori.wikispaces.com/Economy and natural resources of morocco.

3 "Morocco." Fortune of Africa Morocco. July 25, 2014. Accessed December 18, 2017. http://fortuneofafrica.com/morocco.

4 "Economy & Industry." Our Africa. Accessed December 17, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/economy-industry.

5 "Morocco." Fortune of Africa Morocco. July 25, 2014. Accessed December 18, 2017. http://fortuneofafrica.com/morocco.

6 "Morocco." Fortune of Africa Morocco. July 25, 2014. Accessed December 18, 2017. http://fortuneofafrica.com/morocco.

7 "Economy & Industry." Our Africa. Accessed December 17, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/economy-industry.

8 "Economy & Industry." Our Africa. Accessed December 17, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/economy-industry.

9 "Economy & Industry." Our Africa. Accessed December 17, 2017. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/economy-industry.

First Contacts - Europe and Asia

Because of Morocco’s unique geographical location along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, there has been a long history of contact between Morocco and Asia (Middle East).

The Phoenicians from modern day Lebanon first invaded Morocco during the 12^th century BC. [1]

Next the Carthaginians made Morocco part of its trade empire. [2]

After Rome successfully defeated the Carthaginians they took control of its territories including Morocco. [3]

An excellent example of Roman influence still stands today in the ancient ruins of the city of Volubilis. Volubilis was originally built in the third century BC but flourished under Roman control. [4]

The first contacts between Morocco and Europe and Asia established trade routes and inadvertently diversity in religion. Judaism and Christianity were practiced widespread in Morocco in the latter stages of the Roman Empire.

Starting around 670 AD Morocco was invaded by Arabs and with that came conversion to Sunni Islam.

The native people of Morocco, Berbers, and Arabs combined to form the Moorish invasion of Spain. Beginning around 700 AD until 1492, Moors occupied parts of modern day Spain. There is some belief that the initial invasion was encouraged by Spanish people who were Roman citizens and unhappy with Visigoths in Spain. The Moorish invasion brought a strange religion and violence to the Iberian Peninsula. However, there were some positive results. The Moors brought architecture skills and made great advances in agricultural techniques in Spain. [6]

During the European scramble for Africa, Spain and France made Morocco a protectorate. This lasted until Morocco’s independence in 1956. Spain held territories in Morocco for about 500 years after the last Moors were expelled from Europe.

There are still some tense diplomatic situations between Catholic Spain and Islamic Morocco, but for the most part trade and political relations are well between Morocco and its European neighbors across the Mediterranean Sea.

1 "History of Morocco - Discover an Ancient Land." Morocco.com - Morocco Channel. Accessed December 11, 2017. http://www.morocco.com/culture/ancient-morocco.

2 IBID

3 IBID

4 Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Archaeological Site of Volubilis." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Accessed December 18, 2017. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/836.

5 "List your Spain or Canary Isles Holiday Rental or B&B FREE of CHARGE." History of Spain - The Moors. Accessed December 18, 2017. https://www.spanish-web.com/history/moors.php.

6 IBID

Religion and mission work in Morocco

In modern times there is not any specific mission work being carried out in Morocco. Morocco is about 99% Muslim. A clear majority of those are Sunni. About 30% of Muslims claim to be a form of non-denomination Islam meaning that they are neither Sunni or Shia. Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco

During the latter stages of the Roman Empire there were Byzantine missionaries throughout Morocco.

(Synagogue in Morocco)



At that time Morocco had a mix of Christianity, Judaism, and ancient pagan religions. The Arab conquests made Islam the dominant religion in Morocco. Islam has been in Morocco since around 670 AD. The government is a mix of parliament, constitution, and a monarch.

The current monarch is King Mohammed VI.

He is a direct descendant of the prophet Mohammed. [1] Part of his title as king includes “Commander of the Faithful”. [2] The constitution of Morocco lists Islam as the official state religion. It is against the law to try to convert a Muslim to another religion in Morocco. It is also against the law to have a Bible in the Arabic language. [3] Technically there is freedom of religion in Morocco. There a few thousand Jews left and up to 1% of the population is Christian. Most of the Christians are Catholic and originally from Europe.    
St. Peter's Cathedral - Rabat, Morocco

Technology may be the key to missions in Morocco. Over the past couple decades there has been a growing movement of thousands of Christians in Morocco. The State Department of the U.S. estimates that there are now between 2,000 – 6,000 Moroccans who converted to Christianity on their own accord. [4] Stories of people converting are slowly but surely becoming more common. People have begun to read Bibles online, research Christian website while hanging out at cyber cafes, and listen to radio podcasts from other countries. [5] Some Christians are now beginning to meet in groups of about a dozen to help spread the news.                                     

1 "History of Religion in Morocco." Islam in Morocco - History of Religion | Travel Blog | About Us | Naturally Morocco. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html. 

2 "History of Religion in Morocco." Islam in Morocco - History of Religion | Travel Blog | About Us | Naturally Morocco. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html.

3 "History of Religion in Morocco." Islam in Morocco - History of Religion | Travel Blog | About Us | Naturally Morocco. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html.

4 "History of Religion in Morocco." Islam in Morocco - History of Religion | Travel Blog | About Us | Naturally Morocco. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html.

5 "History of Religion in Morocco." Islam in Morocco - History of Religion | Travel Blog | About Us | Naturally Morocco. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html.

Change - Borders, Politics, National Identity

The political and national boundaries of Morocco have changed over time. Morocco has a rich history that can trace inhabitants in its lands back thousands of years. Civilizations and cultures flourished in Morocco long before the establishment of modern nation states with strictly defined international borders. Pictured below is a map detailing Morocco's borders in modern times.

The next map represents the concentration of ethnic and language dialects within modern Morocco.

During the height of the Roman Empire its presence was felt in what is present day Morocco. Remains of the ancient Roman city of Volubulis can still be seen today.

After the fall of the Roman Empire there was a period of Islamic conquest. Arab armies pushed 

west through North Africa into Morocco. 

During the Middle Ages there were a couple of different Islamic Dynasties in Morocco. Both of these dynasties were led by Berber people from Morocco. The Almohads were a Berber people that came from a tribe in the Atlas Mountains.

During the European scramble for Africa, Morocco was claimed by Spain and France. Spain already held some territory dating back to the 15th century. 

The map below illustrates Spanish territory while Morocco was a protectorate of France from 1912 to 1956. France and Spain signed a treaty in 1912 agreeing to divide territory peacefully.

Morocco was a French Protectorate from 1912 to 1956. Morocco has been an independent nation since that time. There were many rebellions and acts of violence during the Protectorate period but French troops were able to defeat each rebellion.

To the south of Morocco is an area of international dispute. Western Sahara was a Spanish Colony named Spanish Sahara prior to 1975. After the Spanish withdrew the Moroccans claimed it as their territory. However, the native people disagreed and fought a 16 year insurgency against Morocco. In 1991 there was a UN truce put into place. Morocco controls the western part of Western Sahara. The eastern part is controlled by the political Polisario Front and called the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic.[1]

Morocco has an unique international border situation with Spain. The small cities of Ceuta and Melilla are about 250 miles apart from each other on Morocco's Mediterranean Sea coastline. Each city has a little over 70,000 citizens. Spain has maintained control over these areas for about 500 years. It is a source of controversy between the two governments. Since 1995 the two cities have enjoyed autonomy from Spain. Both cities are flashpoints in the refugees and migrants situation going on between Africa and Europe.[2]

1 "Africa". Last modified 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.bbc.com/new/world-africa-14114627.

2 "Africa". Last modified 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017. http://www.bbc.com/new/world-africa-14115273.