Director of Royal Archives Bahija Simou Awarded Italy's Order of Merit
Rabat – Bahija Simou, the Director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in recognition of her efforts of promoting cultural heritage and deepening historical ties between Morocco and Italy.
The award, one of only ten presented each year, was bestowed upon Simou by Italian Ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President of the Italian Republic. The ceremony took place during Italy's National Day celebration, exemplifying the enduring bonds between the two nations.
Ambassador Barucco highlighted the significance of the honor, describing it as a tribute to Simou's 'remarkable and exceptional contribution' to safeguarding Moroccan historical heritage and advancing scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy.
In her remarks, Simou described the award as deeply symbolic, affirming that her research underscores 'the geopolitical importance of both Morocco and Italy within the Euro-Mediterranean space.'
The renowned historian also reflected on the deep-rooted ties between Morocco and Italy, tracing their relationship back to the 12th century. She noted that after Italian unification, Morocco was quick to extend a hand of friendship to the new republic. In the post-independence era, Italy became one of Morocco's earliest and most committed economic partners — a bond symbolized by Italy being the first European country visited by the late King Mohammed V.
Simou emphasized that the award 'does not only crown a personal journey, but also affirms a commitment to a living, inclusive history — one that resists oblivion and brings to light memories long kept in the shadows.'
Simou's recognition by Italy crowns a decades-long career dedicated to preserving Morocco's historical legacy and strengthening its international cultural ties. Born in 1958 in the culturally rich Aït Aâtab with,in the Azilal Province of central Morocco, she has emerged as one of the country's foremost historians, with a particular focus on military archives and diplomatic relations across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
As director of the royal archives, Simou has led groundbreaking research uncovering overlooked chapters of Moroccan history — including the country's involvement in global events like the Korean War — and has championed the importance of collective memory in shaping national identity.
Her efforts have not only reinforced Morocco's archival diplomacy, with successful partnerships across Europe, but have also earned her global recognition. In 2017, she was awarded France's Legion of Honor. Now, with the Italian Order of Merit, her work stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical scholarship in building bridges between nations and generations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Sends Eid Al-Adha Greetings to Islamic Leaders
Doha – King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, has sent greeting cards to the sovereigns, presidents, and emirs of Islamic states on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. The monarch expressed warm congratulations and best wishes for health, happiness, and peace to his counterparts across the Islamic world. This year's celebration marks a significant departure from tradition in Morocco. For the first time in nearly 30 years, the country is observing Eid Al-Adha without the customary sacrifice of sheep. In February, the sovereign called on citizens to forego the ritual slaughter to preserve the nation's dwindling livestock. The royal directive cited 'climate and economic challenges' that have caused a 'substantial regression' in Morocco's sheep population. Since 2016, the country has lost 38% of its livestock, with breeding ewes declining from 11 million to 8.7 million in 2024. Moroccan authorities have implemented immediate measures following the King's decree. Officials closed livestock markets nationwide, prohibited animal sales and slaughter, and temporarily shut down municipal abattoirs. In some areas, even the sale of utensils associated with the sacrifice ritual has been restricted. The decision follows seven consecutive years of drought that have severely impacted Morocco's agricultural sector. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the accumulated rainfall deficit has directly contributed to the sharp decline in livestock numbers. The shortage has caused red meat prices to soar, placing additional economic pressure on Moroccan families. In previous years, between 5.5 and 6 million animals were slaughtered during Eid Al-Adha in the North African country. This massive annual culling has become unsustainable under current climate and economic conditions. Understanding the religious significance of the occasion, King Mohammed VI will personally perform a sacrifice on behalf of all Moroccans. This approach follows the example of Prophet Muhammad, who also sacrificed on behalf of believers unable to do so themselves. The government has declared Monday, June 9, an exceptional public holiday to allow Moroccan families to extend their celebrations. The official Eid Al-Adha will be observed on Saturday, June 7 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 H). To mitigate economic impacts, particularly on seasonal workers and merchants who depend on Eid-related commerce, the government has implemented a MAD 3 billion ($300 million) aid program. An additional MAD 3.2 billion ($320) will be injected by 2026, primarily focused on rebuilding the female breeding stock. Despite the absence of the sacrifice ritual, Eid Al-Adha remains a sacred occasion for Moroccans. Many families are adapting by purchasing smaller quantities of mutton and liver, key ingredients in traditional Eid dishes. The King's father, Hassan II, made a similar decision in 1996, marking the last time Morocco observed Eid without the traditional sacrifice. Most Moroccans have accepted the directive with understanding, recognizing the necessity of the measure given the current environmental and economic circumstances. Read also: King Mohammed VI to Perform Eid Al-Adha Prayer in Tetouan Tags: Eid Al AdhaKing Mohammed VI
Ya Biladi
5 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Ghana and Morocco to simplify residency, work toward visa-free mobility
In a significant shift in its position on the Sahara issue, Ghana has expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan, describing it as the «only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution» to the regional dispute. The announcement came during a joint statement delivered in Rabat by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. The two also held a press briefing following the signing of the declaration and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations. This endorsement reflects a broader strengthening of ties between the two countries, particularly in areas such as people-to-people mobility, economic cooperation, and academic exchange. As part of this deepening partnership, both sides announced plans to simplify residency procedures for Moroccan and Ghanaian citizens, with the aim of eventually removing visa requirements altogether. Facilitating Mobility to Strengthen Cooperation In their joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and economic development between Morocco and Ghana. They also expressed their intention to finalize a visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports. In the interim, Minister Bourita announced the immediate implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco (ETAM) system for Ghanaian citizens, allowing them to obtain visas online within 24 hours. «We've agreed to make mobility easier for our citizens», said Minister Ablakwa during the press briefing. «Although there is already a direct air link between Ghana and Morocco, the visa has been the main barrier to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Now, with this new measure, that barrier is lifted. This will significantly boost tourism and trade, especially since Morocco is a very popular destination». Investing in Human Capital Through Academic Exchange Both countries also emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and strengthening academic and cultural exchanges. Minister Bourita announced that the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) would increase the number of scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually, across various disciplines. «This is excellent news for us», said Ablakwa. «Our universities will also welcome Moroccan students, particularly those interested in English-language programs and African studies. We'll soon have a specific agreement in place to facilitate this academic cooperation». Economic and Agricultural Cooperation Ghana and Morocco also reaffirmed their economic partnership, which was initially cemented in 2017 during King Mohammed VI's visit to Accra through the signing of 25 cooperation agreements. According to Ablakwa, these agreements have already «greatly boosted bilateral trade». «We believe that a reciprocal visit would significantly strengthen our ties. Today's meeting lays the groundwork for a future meeting between the King and President John Dramani Mahama», he added. Looking ahead, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, areas with strong economic potential for Africa. The partnership will focus on producing fertilizers tailored to local conditions, including soil types, climate, and staple crops. Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa exporter, will be a key focus. «Ghana currently spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports. Our new President is committed to reversing that trend», said Ablakwa. «Morocco's expertise in agriculture, agri-food, and fertilizer production gives it a clear advantage. Moroccan experts will soon collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts to determine the best fertilizer type for our needs, starting with the cocoa sector, which is a vital crop for us». At the regional level, Minister Bourita praised Ghana's continued commitment to African integration, highlighting its active role in ECOWAS, its hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and its accession as a full member of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in October 2024.
Morocco World
5 hours ago
- Morocco World
Mohamed Tops List of Most Common Surnames in Ceuta
Doha – Mohamed has secured the top position as the most common surname in Ceuta, according to data released by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) for 2024. According to local media, a total of 7,750 residents of the Spanish North African enclave carry Mohamed as their first surname, while 7,479 have it as their second surname. Additionally, 1,731 people in Ceuta have the double surname combination of Mohamed Mohamed. Ahmed ranks as the second most frequent surname in Ceuta with 3,097 residents carrying it as their first surname and 2,880 as their second. The Spanish surname García takes third place with 2,217 and 2,059 people having it as first and second surnames respectively. The list of top ten surnames in the enclave continues with Abdeselam, Sánchez, González, Rodríguez, López, Pérez, and Fernández. Completing the top fifteen are Martín, Ruiz, Jiménez, Gómez, and Abdelkader. The 7-square-mile territory on Morocco's northern coast remains under Spanish control—a holdover from centuries-old colonial expansion. Despite this, the enclave's geographic, cultural, and demographic realities point unmistakably toward its Moroccan character. What makes this distinction clear is that the trend in Ceuta diverges significantly. In mainland Spain, García, Rodríguez, and González reign as the most common surnames nationwide. The INE reports that 26.3% of Spaniards have one of the top twenty most frequent surnames as their first surname. The dominance of the name Muhammad extends beyond Ceuta to other parts of the world. In December 2024, Muhammad became the most popular first name for baby boys in England and Wales for the first time, according to the country's Office for National Statistics (ONS). Read also: Spanish Media: Trump May Recognize Ceuta, Melilla as Moroccan Territory The Arabic name displaced Noah, which fell to second place in the UK rankings. There were 4,661 babies named Muhammad born across England and Wales in 2023, up from 4,177 in 2022. Alternative spellings of the name also appeared in the top 100, with Mohammed ranking 28th with 1,601 babies and Mohammad placing 68th with 835. Muhammad was the most popular boys' name in four out of nine regions in England and ranked 63rd in Wales. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Noah and Luca respectively claimed the top spots for boys' names in 2023. The name's growing prevalence is an indication of demographic changes across Europe, with projections from the Pew Research Center suggesting that by 2050, Muslims will represent 20% of Germany's population, 18% in France, and 17% in Britain. France currently has the highest proportion of Muslims among major European countries, with a June 2023 study by the French Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies showing that 10% of French people identify as Muslim, though some estimates place this figure as high as 15%. Tags: ceutaMohamedmuhammad
