Moulay Mohammed VI

Moulay Mohammed VI
            King Mohammed VI is the ruler of the Kingdom of Morocco. His family is believed to be descended from the Prophet Mohammed himself.  He is omnipresent, with royal palaces in every city, and portraits everywhere.  As the religious head of the country, he slaughters the first sheep after the long lean period of Ramadan to begin the Eid celebrations.  When so many royal families around the world crumbled under the clutches of colonization, how is this dynasty survive? Curious to discover, I turned to the internet for the history of Morocco.
The Royal Palace in Fez

          European were hungry for the control of this strategically situated country. Although under the control of the Alaouite Sultans, Morocco became a French Protectorate in 1912. While Spain retained two cities - Mellila and Ceuta, Morocco was divided by  French and Spanish colonial powers. However, the independence movement started to gain ground by 1940s.  In 1953, the king Mohammed V(grandfather of the present king) was sent into exile in Madagascar.  He was brought back in 1955, and independence for Morocco was declared in 1957 with Mohammed V as regent.
The King and I

           The present King ascended the throne in 1999. In his numerous portraits in every shop, educational institution, and billboards,  he is sometimes seen in regalia, often as a religious head, the head of the military, and many times in European garb.  He has a 15 year old son, his heir and a younger daughter. 




In the souq, in Fez




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