NEO Maroc

The dynasties of Morocco. Morocco was ruled by several dynasties that shaped its historical memory and gave it a distinct cultural value.

 

The dynasties of Morocco

The dynasties of Morocco

Morocco is a multicultural country whose ancient history has contributed to the diversity of its heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Idrissid dynasty: (789-974)

The Idrissid dynasty, whose founder was Idriss I who made Volubilis (Walili) his capital, was the first to conquer Morocco for more than a century. From 789 to 978, the Idrissid dynasty dominated a large part of the Maghreb, including North Africa in present-day Morocco. Founder of the first Royal dynasty in Morocco, the Idrissids were able over time to build new cities including that of Fez, which became the capital after Volubilis during the reign of the successor son Idriss II and his successors. Several monuments so far bear witness to the architectural and religious works of this dynasty such as: the Al-Qarawiyine mosque which is one of the most important mosques in Morocco and whose architecture is a real artistic masterpiece. After several years of reign, the dynasty fell, giving way to the Almoravids.

Almoravid dynasty: (1060-1147)

After the Idrissids, a new dynasty began to reign and acquire shares of the Maghrebi land: the Almoravids. Destroying African rule before attacking the north, the Almoravids founded Marrakech in 1062. They managed to reign over the entire Maghreb and Al-Andalus and named Marrakech as their capital. After this feat, the second imperial city became the center of commerce and the link connecting sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb. They built several religious works there, namely mosques like that of Koutoubia, whose construction began during the Almoravid reign, Koranic madrassahs, ramparts, and palaces. In addition, they also built an irrigation center to provide water to the entire region.

Almohad dynasty: (1147-1248)

The Almohads conquered Morocco by overthrowing the Almoravid dynasty. Guided initially by Îbn Toumert, the Almohads declared war against the Almoravids under religious pretext. Their Arabic name, implying the uniqueness of “Attawhid”, was the object of their proclamation. The architecture and culture which made two key pillars of this dynasty, are still anchored in the emblematic monuments of the city of Marrakech, the Almohad capital, through the remodeling of the Koutoubia mosque whose architecture is modeled on that of Giralda in Seville. The Almohad dynasty reigned for half a century and weakened following a defeat against the Christians in 1212.

Merind dynasty: (1248-1465)

Founded by the Berber Chief Abou Yahia, with Fez as its capital, the Marinid dynasty overthrew the Almohads by driving them out of the Maghreb. Their reign did not last long, the Marinids were defeated by the Portuguese who attacked the coastline via Ceuta and the Strait of Gibraltar. Motivated by the transmission of religious values, the Marinids built several Zaouias, mosques, and Koranic madrassahs like that of Salé. Several creations and foundations characterize this dynasty, the wooden and stucco decorations, the roofs with glazed tiles, the enameled ceramics, etc. The Chellah necropolis, located in Rabat, houses vestiges that testify to the richness of this dynasty in terms of culture, history, architecture, and religious institutions.

Saadian or Zaydanid dynasty: (1548-1659)

The Saadian dynasty overthrew the Marinids by driving them from power and initially had Fez as their capital then transferred it to Marrakech. They declared war against the Portuguese and recovered several cities including the city of Agadir. The Saadians took Spain as an ally to protect themselves against Turkish threats. Morocco enjoyed years of glory during the Saadian dynasty. It was at its peak in terms of culture, knowledge, and wealth. The Saadians acquired the gold of Sudan after defeating the African empire of Songhai. They channeled their exploits into constructing several artistic works. In Fez, they built the Borjs and gave a makeover to the Al Qarawiyine mosque. In Marrakech, they built the tombs of the Saadians, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the El Badiî Palace.

Alawite dynasty: (1660-présent)

The Saadians were dethroned by the Alawite dynasty. Originally from Tafilalt, the Alawite dynasty chased out the Saadians to seize royal power. Its capital was initially Fez, then was moved to Meknes under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, to finally be transferred to Rabat, which has been the current capital of Morocco since 1912. It is thanks to this dynasty that the city of Fez has had a makeover, thus beautifying the entire city and creating protective walls like the famous Bab El-Mansour gate. The dynasty continued its reign until today. Mohammed VI is the twenty-third sovereign in this succession.