History of Morocco from ancient to modern. About the country of Morocco: geography of Morocco, history, culture, weather, cuisine and entertainment A brief history of Morocco

From Spain you can get to Morocco by ferry in just one hour, but it seems as if you are arriving in some completely different world. This world is dominated by Islamic culture and traditions, where, despite the cosmopolitan cities of Rabat and Casablanca, everything reminds of the distant past. In turn, Fes is considered the most beautiful Arab city. In addition, Morocco has many seaside resorts on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Geography of Morocco

Morocco is located in North Africa. In the north, Morocco borders with Spain (a water border through the Strait of Gibraltar and a land border with three Spanish exclaves), in the east with Algeria, and in the south with Mauritania (via Western Sahara, which is not a de facto state). In the north the country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The total area of ​​this state is 446,550 square meters. km., and the total length of the state border is 2,017 km.

Most of Morocco is occupied by the Atlas Mountains, located mainly in the center and south of the country. The north is occupied by the Rif mountain range. In the south, the valleys gradually turn into desert. The highest local peak is Mount Jebel Toubkal, whose height reaches 4,165 meters.

Capital

Rabat is the capital of Morocco. More than 1.8 million people now live in this city. Historians claim that on the site of modern Rabat there once existed a small Punic town, which was then expanded thanks to the ancient Romans.

Official language of Morocco

There are two official languages ​​– Arabic and Berber.

Religion

Almost the entire population professes Islam.

State structure

According to the 2011 Constitution, Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The Moroccan king is a secular political leader and "commander of the faithful" as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The king presides over the Council of Ministers and appoints the prime minister from the political party that received the majority of seats in parliament in the elections. In addition, the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, appoints members of the government.

The bicameral Moroccan Parliament consists of the Assembly of Representatives of Morocco and the Assembly of Councillors.

Administratively, the country is divided into 16 regions, which in turn are divided into 62 provinces and prefectures.

Climate and weather

The climate on the northern coast and central plateau is Mediterranean. The Atlantic coast is noticeably cooler in winter. In the Atlas Mountains, the climate depends on the altitude above sea level. In the south, where the Sahara is located, the climate is desert.

You can vacation in Morocco all year round. The peak beach season is July-August.

Seas and oceans in Morocco

In the north the country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The length of the coastline is 1,835 km. The average water temperature off the coast in January-March is +17C, and in July-September - +23C.

Rivers and lakes

The Muluya River (520 km) flows through the eastern part of Morocco, flowing into the Mediterranean Sea, and in the north of the country flows the Cebu River (458 km), flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.

History of Morocco

Moroccan history goes back many thousands of years. The first people on the territory of this country, as archaeologists have proven, lived more than 75,000 years ago. In the modern era, people began settling in Morocco around 5000 BC. The ancestors of the Berbers appeared there around 3000 BC.

Around 800 BC. The Phoenicians arrived there, and this radically changed the history of this country. A few centuries later, Morocco became part of one of the colonies of Ancient Rome.

In the 6th-7th centuries. AD Arabs appeared in Morocco, bringing Islam with them. Some Berbers were forced to convert to Islam. After the Arabs were ousted from Spain, the Portuguese appeared on Moroccan soil and made this country their colony for a long time. In the 1800s, France and Spain began to show great interest in Morocco.

Now Morocco is an independent state led by a king. It is part of the UN and the Arab League.

Culture

For Moroccans, honor and dignity are very important concepts. For them these are not just words. Residents of this country value not only their reputation, but also the reputation of their family. The worst thing that can happen for a Moroccan is to disgrace himself and his family.

Moroccans find it difficult to understand when a foreigner travels alone, without his wife, children, brother or sister, as family is very important to them.

According to Islamic law, any man in Morocco can have up to 4 wives, providing equally for each of them. However, the economic reality in the country is that polygamy is rare.

Morocco celebrates a large number of holidays every year, almost all of them are religious (Islamic) or folklore in nature. The most important of them are Ramadan, Eid al-Saghira, the Marrakech Folk Arts Festival, the El Kela M'Gouna Rose Festival, the Sefrou Cherry Festival, the Goulimina Camel Festival and the Tisza Equestrian Festival.

Cuisine of Morocco

The formation of Moroccan cuisine was influenced by the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, Arabs, Jews, Persians, West Africans and Berbers. One can only imagine what kind of kitchen the result turned out to be.

Traditional Moroccan dishes - “Tagines” (fragrant stew of meat, vegetables or fish), “Harira” (spicy tomato soup), “Pastilla” (meat pie made from puff pastry with cinnamon and sugar), “Couscous” (semolina dishes) and with meat and vegetables), “Tajine” (fragrant stew with onions, olives, almonds, tomatoes, herbs or dried fruit), “Mechoui” (baked stuffed beef or lamb).

Traditional non-alcoholic drinks are “mint tea” (often called “Berber whiskey”) and coffee.

It should be remembered that Morocco is a Muslim country, however, for tourists the laws in this regard are liberal. Local beer and wine are sold at very affordable prices.

Sights of Morocco

In relatively small Morocco, a huge number of different attractions have been preserved. Every Moroccan city has something for tourists to see. So, in Rabat, for example, this is the Hassan Tower, which began to be built in the 12th century.

In Casablanca and its surroundings, the main attractions are the markets, the Great Mosque of Hassan II, the Shleh Mosque, the residence of the Pasha Mahakma du Pasha, the Sacre Coeur Cathedral, the ruins of the city of Anfa.

In Marrakech, tourists will definitely be interested in local markets, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Mausoleum of Yusuf ben Tashfin, the Mosque of the Golden Apples, the ruins of the El Badi Palace, the Muasin Fountain, the Dar El Makhzen Palace, the Muasin Mosque, the Mausoleum of Sidi al-Suheili...

In Fez, the religious capital of Morocco, we recommend paying attention to the summer palace of the king, the Bab Dekaken gate, the Moulay Idriss mosque, the Bou Inanya madrasah, the Ghazlean mosque, the Attarine madrasah, the Karaouine mosque, the Tsetaunin caravanserai, the Dar Batha palace and Andalusian mosque.

Cities and resorts

The largest cities are Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakesh, Tangier, Menes and Agadir.

The country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Near the cities, the beaches have a well-developed recreation infrastructure. However, there are hundreds of secluded beaches where nature has remained completely untouched. The beaches of the Atlantic coast will, of course, be of interest to lovers of water sports, especially surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

On the Mediterranean coast, the beaches are more secluded, the water is warm and calm. In recent years, new seaside resorts have begun to appear there, for example, Tamuda Bay.

The most famous Moroccan beach resorts are Agadir, Casablanca and Essaouira. A big plus of these resorts is that there are a lot of ancient attractions (mosques, fortresses, palaces, etc.).

Souvenirs/shopping

Morocco's markets often result in tourists heading home with an extra suitcase filled with souvenirs. We bring to your attention a list of the 10 best souvenirs that you can buy in this country:

1. Carpets. In Morocco, there are two types of carpets - made in the city and Berber. Urban carpets are usually made near Rabat, while Berber carpets are made in rural areas by Berbers. Typically, Berber carpets are thinner than carpets made in the city. We recommend buying Berber carpets from women's cooperatives.
2. Moroccan tea set. Tea drinking is a national Moroccan treasure. This is already a real ceremony and tradition. You can buy silver plated teapots and a few cups in any big city.
3. Women's belly dance costume.
4. Wood products (boxes, vases, chess).
5. Musical instruments (for example, Moroccan oud and several types of drums).
6. Henna dye (we recommend buying in Souk).
7. Leather goods - Moroccan slippers, wallets, etc. (we recommend buying in Fes).
8. Ceramics (the most famous blue and white ceramics are made in Fez).
9. Scarves and shawls.
10. Silver jewelry (it is best to buy them in the south of the country and in the city of Tiznit located there).

Office hours

Banks:
Mon-Thu - winter
08:15-12:00 and 14:15-17:15
Fri: 08:15-11:30 and 14:45-17:15

Mon-Thu - summer
08:00-15:00

The shops:
Mon-Sat: 09:30-13:00 and 15:00-19:30

Visa

Ukrainians need a visa to visit Morocco.

Currency in Morocco

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency in Morocco. Its international designation is MAD. One Moroccan dirham = 100 centimes. Credit cards are quite widespread.

Customs restrictions

Local currency (Moroccan dirham - MAD) can be imported in an amount not exceeding 1,000 MAD. Foreign currency can be imported without restrictions, but an amount equivalent to more than 15 thousand MAD must be declared.

You can take out no more than 1,000 MAD, and as much foreign currency as was declared upon arrival in the country.

To import dogs and cats, you need a veterinary certificate and a medical certificate about their health status. The import of falcons and hawks requires prior permission from the Moroccan authorities.

To export archaeological, antique and cultural objects, you must obtain appropriate permission.

Useful telephone numbers and addresses

Embassy of Morocco in Ukraine:
Index: 04070, Kiev, st. I. Fedorova 12
T: (8 044) 284-33-26

Embassy of Ukraine in Morocco:
Cité OLM, Villa 212, Souissi–II, Rabat, Maroc
T:(8 10 212) 37-65-78-40
Email mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.

Emergency numbers
15 – Fire service
19 – Police
777 – Ambulance

Time in Morocco

It lags behind Kyiv by 2 hours. Those. if, for example, in Kyiv it is 13:00, then in the city of Rabat it is 11:00.

Tips

A service charge is usually included in the bill. However, an additional tip, even if small (up to 10%), is always welcome.

Medicine

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to travel to Morocco. Recommended vaccinations: against diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, tuberculosis, tetanus and typhoid.

In some rural areas there is a very low risk of malaria between May and October.

Safety

Morocco cannot be called a safe country for tourists, but if you follow reasonable safety measures, you can vacation in this country without any problems. It should be remembered that this is a Muslim country.

Morocco is an ancient Arab country with a rich history and culture. Largest cities: Casablanca, Rabat (capital), Marrakesh, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Tangier, Tetouan.

The history of the country is rich in events. Morocco is located at the entrance to the cradle of modern civilization - the Mediterranean. In the first millennium BC, local lands belonged to Carthage. Then, after the fall of the Punic state under the blows of the Roman legions, Roman consuls ruled here, who were ousted by the Vandals in the 5th century AD. In the 6th century they were replaced by the Byzantines, whose powerful trade and military empire was in its prime. Finally, in 682, the Arab conquest of North Africa began. The Almoravid and Almohad dynasties brought unprecedented prosperity to the country. In the 11th-12th centuries, Morocco controlled the territories of Spain and Portugal in the European Mediterranean, and in Africa its possessions included the lands of Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, that is, all of North Africa.

But nothing lasts forever, and the huge empire fell apart. The Golden Age of Morocco began in the 15th-16th centuries, in memory of which many architectural monuments remain. In the 17th-19th centuries, Morocco became famous for its ferocious sea pirates, who robbed merchant ships in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea and controlled entire cities on the coast. The country's modern history includes being a protectorate of Spain and France (since 1904) and gaining independence in 1956. From the Spanish protectorate on the territory of Morocco there remained 2 cities that are the territory of Spain - Ceuta and Melilla.

The culture of Morocco is a mixture of several cultural traditions. The local Arab cultural base was influenced by the traditions of Spain (located nearby) and France (during the French occupation). Borrowed features are evident in the architecture, music, language and cuisine of Morocco.

Morocco has more than 300 or more sunny days a year. Climatic conditions are heterogeneous and depend on the region. On the coast, the climate is mild, subtropical - cool, with little rain, winter, sunny and warm summer. In summer 26-30°C, in winter 12-20°C. In the southern regions it is continental with hot summers and cool winters. On the coast there are good conditions for recreation throughout the year; in the center of the country it is best to relax from October to April, when it is not so hot. The ski season lasts from December to March.

The best time to travel to Morocco is from March to May and from September to November.

The cuisine of Morocco is a mixture of Arabic, Mediterranean, Berber, and Jewish cuisines. The main ingredients are vegetables, meat and seafood, grains, and spices are widely used.

Spicy thick soups, meat and vegetable dishes cooked in a tagine (a clay pan with a special lid for stewing and simmering in the oven) are specialties of Moroccan cuisine.

Traditional Moroccan drinks are mint tea and coffee. The coffee is served very strong and hot, sometimes cardamom or other spices are added to it.

What to try:

The history of the region that makes up modern Morocco is shaped by the interactions between the indigenous population, the Berbers, and the various peoples who successfully invaded the country. The Berbers are first mentioned in the history of Africa as robbers who subjugated all trade routes across the Sahara. And the first of the foreigners on the territory of Morocco known to history were the Phoenicians, who in the 12th century. BC e. founded trading cities on the Mediterranean coast. Their colonies were later captured and expanded by the Carthaginians. Conquest of Carthage by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century. n. e. led to Roman dominance on the Mediterranean coast of Africa. Around 42 AD. e. The territory of modern Morocco became part of the Roman Empire as the province of Mauritania Tingatan. A period of relative peace began in Africa, the Berbers settled in cities on the coast. In the 3rd century. n. e. Christianity came to Africa. The Berbers adopted a heretical branch of Christianity - Donatianism. During the invasions of Germanic tribes that accompanied the decline of the Roman Empire, the Vandals captured Mauritania in 429. The Byzantine military leader Belisarius defeated the Vandals in 533 and strengthened the power of Byzantium in all parts of the country. The rule of Byzantium was brought to an end by the Arabs who arrived in Morocco in 682, spreading the power of Islam. In the 9th century. The Kharijites expelled representatives of all other nationalities from North Africa and created their own state. But after 100 years, the state began to disintegrate, and power was seized by the Bedouins, who were supported by the Egyptian rulers. The first Arab ruler of all Morocco, the founder of the Idrisid dynasty, held power from 789 to 926. The Idrisids were succeeded by other Berber and Arab dynasties, especially notable of which were the Almoravid (1062-1147) and Almohad (1147-1258) dynasties. During the reign of the latter, Morocco became the center of an empire covering modern Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and most of the territories of modern Spain and Portugal. The collapse of the Almohad Empire began after the Battle of Las Navas in 1212, in which the Spanish defeated the Moroccans. By the middle of the century, the empire finally lost its power. Times of unrest and almost constant civil wars between the Berbers and Arabs followed. The state of Morocco experienced its revival during the Saadian era (1554-1660). Reign of Ahmed I Al-Mansur in 1579-1603. considered the golden age of Morocco. The country's prosperity was facilitated by the influx of almost a million Moors and Jews from Spain in 1492. At this time, the warring regions of the country united, art and architecture successfully developed. The Saadians were succeeded by the second Sharifian dynasty, whose era began in 1660 and reached its peak during the time of Ismail Al-Hasani (ruled from 1672 to 1727). Then continued unrest began again, punctuated by brief periods of relative peace and prosperity. In 1415, Portugal captured the port of Ceuta. This invasion marked the beginning of a period of gradual expansion of the Portuguese and Spanish along the Moroccan coast. In 1578, the Moroccans inflicted a serious defeat on the Portuguese, and by the end of the 17th century. recaptured most of the coastal cities. In the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th century. Pirates from Morocco constantly attacked ships in the Mediterranean Sea. Due to pirate activities and because Morocco shared control of the Strait of Gibraltar with Spain, the country came under increasing pressure from European maritime powers, especially Spain, Great Britain and France. In 1859--1860 Spanish troops reappeared in Morocco and captured Tetouan. In April 1904, Great Britain recognized French claims to Morocco. Later that year, France and Spain divided Morocco into zones of influence, with Spain receiving a much smaller portion of the territory. The German Empire soon began to challenge this division, and in January 1906, a meeting of representatives of the major powers, including the United States, took place in Algeciras, Spain. The Algeciras Agreement guaranteed equal economic rights for every people in Morocco. In July 1911, Germany sent a battleship to the Moroccan port of Agadir to support local resistance against French oppression. This incident prompted the mobilization of French troops and brought Europe to the brink of war, but during negotiations Germany agreed to make Morocco a French protectorate in return for territorial concessions in other regions of Africa. In March 1912, the Sultan recognized the protectorate. Later that year, in a renegotiation of the 1904 agreement with Spain, the French received a larger share of Moroccan territory. The first French governor, Marshal Louate, respected the cultural traditions of Morocco. He did not destroy and rebuild existing cities, but built new ones - of the French type. The capital of the country was the city of Rabat, and all administrative institutions were located in the port of Casablanca. The Spaniards experienced even more difficulties in their territory of Morocco. Abdel-Karim, the head of the Rif tribes, organized a rebellion against the Spanish in 1920. By 1924, he had succeeded in expelling Spanish troops from most of Morocco. He then began to fight against the French. In 1925, the French and Spanish agreed to cooperate against Abdel-Karim. More than 200,000 troops under the command of French Marshal Henri-Philippe Pétain took part in the campaign, which ended victoriously in 1926. However, peace reigned in the country only at the end of 1934. After the defeat inflicted by Germany on France in 1940, the French collaborationist Vichy government forced Moroccan leaders to support German troops. In November 1942, American troops landed in North Africa and occupied Morocco. The country remained an Allied base until the end of World War II. Casablanca was the meeting place of the heads of government of the Allied powers in 1943. In 1943, the leaders of the national movement sent a petition to France asking for independence. The French reaction was to arrest movement activists. In 1944, Moroccan nationalists formed the Istiqlal party, which soon won the support of Sultan Mohammed V and most of the country's Arab population. Mohammed V became a national hero. In 1950, the French rejected the Sultan's proposal to create a national government. The Sultan was overthrown in August 1953, but protests and strikes continued in 1954 until Mohammed was allowed to return to his homeland, and in October 1955 the French authorities returned the throne to him. France recognized Moroccan independence in March 1956. In April, the Spanish government largely accepted the independence of the country's Spanish territory and the unification of the sultanate, although it retained some cities and territories. Tangier became part of Morocco in October 1956, and Ifni was returned to the country in January 1969. Sultan Mohammed V assumed the title of ruler of the country in August 1957. After his death in 1961, the throne passed to his son Hassan II. The country's constitutional monarchy was established with the approval of a constitutional referendum in December 1962. The first national elections in Morocco took place in 1963. However, in June 1965, the Sultan temporarily dissolved parliament and took over all executive and legislative powers for two years. acting as Prime Minister. Hassan II provided significant support to the Arabs in the 1967 war with Israel and successfully attempted to strengthen the unity of the Arab countries. Extremists made attempts on his life in 1971 and 1972. From 1974 to 1975, Morocco pressured Spain to annex the Spanish Sahara. When the Spanish abandoned their former territories in 1976, the northern two-thirds of the former colony went to Morocco, and Mauritania received the southern third. This distribution of territories rich in phosphates was contested by the Polisario Front, a nationalist movement that sought to create an independent state of Western Sahara. Faced with growing international resistance, Sultan Hassan nevertheless committed additional troops in an attempt to protect the phosphate mines and major cities. In 1984, Morocco withdrew from the Organization of African Unity, protesting against the appearance of a Polisario delegation in the organization. Attempts by the UN to resolve the conflict continued in the 80s and early 90s. In 1990, Moroccan troops went to defend Saudi Arabia from the Iraqi army entrenched in Kuwait, but did not play a significant role in the Gulf War. In 1995, the UN received a proposal to include Morocco in the European Community, and since 1994, Europeans have been able to visit the country without a visa.

Morocco is one of the oldest states in Africa, whose historical roots go back to the first Arab state formations in the Maghreb in the 8th - 9th centuries.

Since ancient times, the territory of Morocco was inhabited by nomadic tribes, the ancestors of the Jewish Berbers. From VI-V centuries. BC e. - under the rule of Carthage, from the 2nd century. BC e. - Rome.

In prehistoric times, the territory of Morocco, as well as neighboring countries, was the habitat of primitive, and then modern man, engaged in hunting and cattle breeding. This is evidenced by numerous tools made of cut stone and human bone remains found on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of the country, as well as numerous rock carvings in the Dra and Mului valleys, in the regions of Agadir and Figiga.

Phoenician colonization of the coast, which began in the 12th century. BC e., contributed to the development of agriculture and the introduction of new crops. Later, the Phoenician colonies came under the rule of Carthage; after its fall (2nd century BC), the northern part of Morocco came under the influence of Rome, and in the 1st century. BC e. was conquered by him. In the north-west of present-day Morocco, the Roman province of Tingitan Mauretania was formed with a center in Tingis (Tangier), in the northeast (together with part of Algeria) - Caesarean Mauretania with a center in Caesarea (modern Cherchel).

Intensive Roman colonization led to the emergence of large land ownership, the development of cities (Sala, Banaza, Volubilis, etc.), and the formation of class (slave-owning) relations. The indigenous inhabitants, known in ancient times as Libyans, Getulians or Numids, received the name Berbers from the Romans. The Phoenicians called them Mahurs or Maurs, hence the name “Moors”, which was later assigned to the autochthonous population of North-West Africa. In the 5th century n. e. Northern Morocco was conquered by the Vandals in the 6th century. - Byzantium.

History of Morocco VII-X centuries

In the 7th century Morocco was conquered by the Arabs. After the arrival at the beginning of the 7th century. Arabs, the territory of Morocco was included in the Arab Caliphate. The Arabic language and the Muslim religion, Islam, began to spread in the country. A number of Berber tribes converted to Islam. In 711 - 720, together with the Arabs, these tribes conquered the Iberian Peninsula. K con. VIII century A single monarchical state is emerging. Spanish and Portuguese penetration into Moroccan territory dates back to the 15th century.

In the 8th century In the northwestern part of Morocco, the Idrisid state was founded - the first state in the country to unite the Berber tribes under the rule of a local Arab dynasty.

History of Morocco X-XV centuries

In the 11th century it split into several principalities, leaving to their descendants the first Arab cities - Moulay Idriss and Fez, as well as the Muslim University of Karaouine, which still exists today. From the second half of the 11th to the 14th centuries. Morocco formed the core of the military-theocratic states of the Almoravids (with its center in Marrakesh), the Almohads (its center was at one time Rabat) and the Marinids (with its center in Fez), whose power at times extended to other countries of the Maghreb and part of Spain.

This period in the history of the country is distinguished by the significant development of agricultural production, crafts, the expansion of economic ties with Europe and West Africa, and the flourishing of Moroccan medieval culture and science. The Arabic language spread widely in the cities and surrounding areas.

The process of Arabization intensified and covered large rural areas after the arrival of new Arab nomadic tribes in the country: the Beni-Hilal - in the 11th-12th centuries. and beni makil - in the XIII - XIV centuries. The first settled on the lands of the Atlantic plains, in Gharba, Tadla and Hauz, the second - first in the south-eastern, then in the central regions of the country. These tribes were exempt from taxes, but had to guard the capital cities and supply soldiers for the army (Gish tribes).

In the middle of the XIV - XV centuries. The power of the Marinids gradually weakened as a result of feudal strife, tribal uprisings, and peasant unrest. The state actually disintegrated into separate fiefs; Of these, the most important role was played by the sultanates (principalities) of Fez and Marrakesh.

History of Morocco from the mid-15th to the beginning of the 20th century

The period from the middle of the 15th to the beginning of the 20th century. marked by the penetration of European colonialists (Portuguese, Spaniards, British, French) into Morocco, the persistent and often successful struggle of the Moroccans against the seizure of the coastal regions of the country by aliens, and a decisive rebuff to the attempts of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. to subjugate Morocco, developing during this struggle a centralized Moroccan state (Makhzen) led by dynasties of Muslim rulers - sheriffs.

The ruling Alaouite dynasty in Morocco traces its origins to the sherifs of Tafilalet, whose first representative was Moulay Ali el-Cherif in the mid-17th century. led the fight against foreign invaders. Therefore, Morocco of this period is often called the Sherif State or the Sherif Empire. However, at the end of this period, as a result of the capitulations and unequal agreements imposed on Morocco by the European powers and the United States, the country found itself in a difficult economic and political situation, becoming the object of imperialist expansion and deals by France, Spain, Great Britain and Germany.

The Sultan came under their “tutelage” because in 1906 the decisions of the Algeciras Conference of European Powers and the United States “legitimized” their intervention in the financial, political and other internal affairs of the Sherif State and opened the way for France and Spain to its final seizure and division.

In 1912, France imposed a protectorate treaty on the Sultan of Morocco, and the northern part of the country came under Spanish rule. Tangier and its surrounding area were declared an international zone.

In 1912, the Franco-Moroccan and Spanish-Moroccan treaties were signed, which led to the establishment of a French and Spanish protectorate over the country and deprived it not only of state independence, but also of territorial integrity. The main part of the Moroccan territory was included in the French protectorate zone, the rest was divided into Spanish Northern Morocco (Rif region), Spanish Southern Morocco (Tarfaya), the international zone (Tangier), not counting the territories of Ifni, Ceuta and Melilla, captured by the Spaniards earlier. Power in the country passed into the hands of the French Resident General in the French zone and the Spanish High Commissioner in the Spanish northern zone.

The Sultan and his governor in the Spanish zone, the Caliph, retained only formal power. The Moroccan people responded to the establishment of the protectorate with massive armed resistance. It began in Fez and soon spread to many areas.

Recent history of Morocco

In the 1920s An armed uprising was raised by the Rif mountaineers, led by Muhammad Abd al-Kerim al-Khattabi. In 1921, they completely defeated the Spanish army, and on the liberated territory they created the Rif Republic, which existed until 1926. After the defeat of the Rif Republic, resistance to the colonialists continued until 1956

The kingdom achieved independence in March 1956 (former French Morocco; in April 1956, the former Spanish part). National state institutions were created; administrative reform was carried out; the judicial system was reorganized; planned principles were introduced into the socio-economic development of the country; measures have been taken to ensure financial independence; the “Moroccanization” of government institutions and enterprises has been carried out; a multi-party system was introduced. The problem of restoring the territorial integrity of the state remained unresolved: in particular, Spanish enclaves remained in a number of areas.

In 1957, Tangier was included in its composition. In 1958, sovereignty was restored over the territory of Tarfaya, in (969 - over the territory of Ifni. In the north of the country, enclaves are still preserved - Ceuta and Melilla, included by Spain in its provinces (Morocco considers them its territory and demands their return) .

In 1975, Spain transferred Western Sahara, which was in its possession, to the administrative control of Morocco and Mauritania (from February 1976). In 1979, Mauritania renounced its claims to its part of Western Sahara, which was then occupied by Morocco. Between the royal troops and the Polisario Front. advocating the independence of Western Sahara, there were violent clashes (the last in August 1991). Since 1988, the UN has been involved in preparing a referendum on the question of self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, but due to disagreements between Morocco and the Polisario regarding the composition of its participants, the resolution of the issue was delayed.

Sultan Mohammed V assumed the title of ruler of the country in August 1958. After his death in 1961, the throne passed to his son Hassan P. A constitutional monarchy in the country was established with the approval of a constitutional referendum in December 1962; on 30.VII. 1999, the throne was inherited son of King Hassan II, Mohammed VI.

In 2007, isolated decorated and perforated shells that may have been made into beads were found in eastern Morocco; their age is 82 thousand years. The Dar es Soltan II H5 skull is very similar to the skull Oase 2 from the Romanian cave Pestera cu Oase.

In the late Paleolithic, Morocco was part of the territory of distribution of the Aterian culture (possibly Neanderthal), which was replaced in the Mesolithic by the Ibero-Moorish (Oran) culture (11-9 thousand BC) of the mechtoid subrace close to the Cro-Magnons (Taforalt Grotto). In 9-6 thousand BC. e. The Capsian culture spread, whose speakers spoke Afroasiatic languages ​​and migrated here from the east of the continent. During the Neolithic period, permanent settlements arose, agriculture and cattle breeding appeared. In the III - early II millennium BC. e. Morocco was part of the Bell Beaker culture area. During this period, the proto-Berber ethnic community of the tribes of North Africa and Morocco - the ancient Libyans - was formed.

Antique era

From the end of the 2nd millennium BC. e. The Phoenicians founded their colonies on the coast of Morocco: Tingis (modern Tangier), Shella (Rabat), Lixus (Larash), Mogador (Essaouira) and others. They conducted active trade with the ancient Berber tribes and had a great influence on their culture. From the 6th-5th centuries BC. e. the northern part of Morocco was under the rule of Carthage; local tribes paid him tribute.

By the 4th century BC. e. In northern Morocco, a large federation of ancient Berber tribes formed, forming the kingdom of Mauretania. It was created on the Carthaginian (Punian) principles of government and was dependent on Carthage. From the middle of the 2nd century. BC e. Mauretania came under Roman influence; from the end of the 1st century BC. e. has undergone strong romanization. In 42 AD e. Mauretania was annexed by the Roman Empire, most of the territory of Morocco formed the province of Mauretania Tingitan, centered in Tingis.

Romanization occurred among the urban population. During the Roman period, agricultural colonization took place in Northern Morocco; Irrigation developed and wheat, olive trees, grapes and other crops began to be grown. Large cities were built: Volubilis, Sale, Banaza and others. But the nomadic Berber tribes, nominally subject to Rome, were little influenced by Roman civilization. Since the 3rd century, Christianity spread throughout Morocco. In the 4th-5th centuries, the influence of the Donatists increased in northern Morocco.

The era of the Great Migration

Almoravid State

The Arab state reached its greatest prosperity under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties in the 12th century. Under the Almoravids, Morocco was the center of a huge empire that occupied the territories of modern Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and large areas of Spain and Portugal. The Almoravid power began with a military monastic order formed from the Lemtuna Berber tribes of the Sanhaja group on the territory of modern Mauritania. The Almoravids had to lead an ascetic lifestyle in strict accordance with the tenets of the Maliki school of Sunnism and learn the art of war to fight the enemies of the faith. Their leader was Abdallah ibn Yassin, who built a ribat and began the conquest of the Berber tribes of the Sahara. After the capture of Audagost in 1054, the lands from Senegal and the upper Niger to Tafilalt came under Almoravid rule. Military command was in the hands of representatives of the ruling family of the Lemtuna tribe: emir Yahya ibn Omar, and then his brother Abu Bakr ibn Umar, who became the leader of the Almoravids after the death of Abdallah ibn Yassin (). The Almoravids subjugated Southern Morocco, defeated the non-Sunni states in Tafilalt (Kharijites), in Sousse (Shiites), Bergwat in Shawiyi (1059); took Fez () and ensured (to) the religious unity of Morocco and Western Algeria on the basis of Sunni Islam. In the south they captured the capital of the state of Ghana (). The conquests were accompanied by the destruction of “infidels” and “apostates,” as well as the fight against “unjust rulers” and “illegal taxes,” which ensured the Almoravids the support of the people and contributed to the rapid success and growth of the movement. In 1061, Abu Bakr ibn Umar headed to the Sahara to suppress a rebellion, entrusting command of the army in the north to his nephew Yusuf ibn Tashfin; who then took the title of emir al-muslimin (ruler of the Muslims) and after the death of Abu Bakr () became the religious and secular head of the Almoravids. At the request of the rulers of the small Muslim states of the Iberian Peninsula, threatened by the Reconquista, Yusuf ibn Tashfin landed in Spain in 1086, repelled the onslaught of the Christians, winning a victory at Salak, and by 1090 subjugated Muslim Spain. After the death of Yusuf ibn Tashfin (), his son Ali inherited a huge state, which included Western Sahara, Morocco, Western Algeria, Muslim Spain and the Balearic Islands. The capital of the state was the city of Marrakesh, founded around 1070 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar. Extortions and excesses of troops and rulers, especially under the successors of Yusuf ibn Tashfin, caused widespread discontent, which was intensified by the religious intolerance of the Almoravids. Under the Almoravids, militant Malikism triumphed; the writings of “heretics” were burned, and their owners were sentenced to death. The Almoravid state was also weakened by the lack of unity in the leadership of the country. The Almoravids were defeated by the Almohads, who took Marrakech in 1146.

Almohad State

Marinid and Wattasid dynasties

At the end of the 12th century - the middle of the 15th century, the country was ruled by the Marinid dynasty. In 1472-1554, the Wattasid dynasty had the greatest power in Morocco, which was replaced by the Saadites, who ruled the country until the mid-17th century.

Saadian dynasty

Alaouite State

After the death of Ahmad, the most powerful of the Sharifs (in 1603), the state began to decline due to constant internal wars, so that it was easy for Moulay Rashid ibn Sherif, a descendant of Ali and Fatima, to overthrow, around the middle of the 17th century, the dynasty of the first sherifs and found the new, still ruling Alid dynasty, also called Khozeini, Philalids or Alawites. The most famous of them is Muley-Ismail, who ruled from 1672 to 1727 as the greatest despot. Under his successors, civil strife and discord over the throne prevailed, leading the country increasingly to decline, until the accession to the throne in 1757 by Muley-Suleiman, who was distinguished by his gentleness and desire to introduce European culture.

Morocco in modern times

After Sultan Mohammed III ben Abdallah died in 1790, Morocco faced a political vacuum under the reign of his son Moulay Suleiman, who was defeated militarily by the Berber alliance of Ait Umalu tribes in 1819. Although the new sultan, with the help of Europeans, managed to return the northern regions of Morocco, he finally strengthened his power thanks to the actions of the alims of Fez, who in 1820 initially considered him an incapable ruler, but then, a few months before the death of Moulay Suleiman in 1822, recognized him power.

After the conquest of Algeria by the French, Abd al-Qadir declared war against France, and requested assistance from the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Abd al-Rahman. The Sultan accepted the offer and this marked the beginning of the Franco-Moroccan War. France sent warships to bombard Tangier on August 6, 1844. During this shelling, most of the city and its fortifications were destroyed. The French then bombarded Essaouira. After the French army defeated the Moroccan cavalry in Battle of the River Isley, Sultan Moulay Abd ar-Rahman asked for peace, and on September 10, 1844 he concluded a peace treaty with France near the city of Tangier.