Latest news with #HassanII
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
This Muslim country has banned animal sacrifice on Eid al-Adha — know the ‘royal' reason
For the first time in years, Morocco will observe Eid al-Adha — the 'Festival of Sacrifice' — without its central ritual: the slaughter of sheep. Muslims in the North African nation, Morocco, will abstain from the animal sacrifice ritual due to a royal directive from King Mohammed VI, who urged citizens to abstain from the practice due to the country's deepening economic difficulties and a prolonged agricultural crisis, according to a report by The Guardian. In a statement broadcast in February by Morocco's Islamic affairs minister on the state-run Al Aoula TV channel, the king said, 'Performing it in these difficult circumstances will cause real harm to large segments of our people, especially those with limited income.' The monarch, who is also the kingdom's highest religious authority, added that he would perform the sacrifice on behalf of all Moroccans. The North African nation has been suffering the consequences of a six-year drought, which has severely impacted the country's livestock population. Reports suggest that sheep herds have declined by nearly 38 percent since 2016. With supply shrinking, prices have skyrocketed. Last year, a single sheep sold for as much as $600 (approximately ₹51,426), far exceeding Morocco's monthly minimum wage of $324 (₹27,833). As a result, many families can no longer afford to participate in the tradition. A survey by the Moroccan Centre for Citizenship found that 55 percent of households struggled to bear the cost of sacrificial animals. In response to the crisis, the Moroccan government suspended import duties and value-added tax on cattle and sheep in its 2025 budget to help control prices. Although the king's directive marks a rare intervention, it is not unprecedented. His father, King Hassan II, suspended Eid sacrifices on three occasions during his reign — in times of war, drought, and under IMF-imposed austerity that removed food subsidies. Morocco, where more than 99 percent of the population identifies as Muslim, has one of the highest red meat consumption rates in Africa.
Morocco World
6 days ago
- General
- Morocco World
Moroccan Royal Historian Abdelhak El Mrini Dies at 91
Rabat – Morocco is mourning the death of Abdelhak El Mrini, the country's official royal historian and former spokesperson for the Royal Palace. He passed away on Monday evening at the age of 91, after a long career serving Moroccan history and culture. El Mrini was born in Rabat in 1934. He memorized the entire Quran at a young age and even copied 60 parts of it by hand. Over the years, he became one of Morocco's most respected literary and cultural figures. He held several important roles during his life, including Director of Royal Protocol and Decorations. But he was best known for his role as the kingdom's official historian, as well as his work in preserving Moroccan heritage. El Mrini had an impressive academic journey. He received a diploma from the Institute of Higher Moroccan Studies in 1960, followed by a degree in literature from the Faculty of Arts in Rabat in 1962. He later studied in France, where he earned an advanced diploma and a PhD from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Strasbourg in 1973. He also obtained a State Doctorate in Literature from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez in 1989. El Mrini was also a prolific author who left behind an important literary and historical legacy. Among his most well-known works is 'The Moroccan Army Throughout History', first published in 1968. The book went through several revised editions, with the sixth edition released in 2011 and translated into French in 2000. He also wrote 'Guide for Moroccan Women' in two parts (1993 and 2000), and 'An Introduction to Modern Moroccan History' (1996), which covers the period from Sultan Hassan I to King Hassan II. Other notable titles include 'Tea in Moroccan Literature' (1999), 'Mohammed V: Studies and Testimonies' (1988), and 'The Hassaniyats' (three volumes published between 1975 and 1983), a collection of poems in praise of the late King Hassan II. Throughout his life, El Mrini made significant contributions to the study and promotion of Moroccan history, and he was widely respected for his deep knowledge and commitment to cultural preservation. Tags: Abdelhak Mrinideathpassed away
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
African Development Bank: Morocco Sets Water Engineering Standard for Africa
Doha – Morocco has set a new civil engineering standard for Africa with the perforation of the Al Massira dam, addressing the growing challenge of water stress in the Marrakech region, reports the African Development Bank (AfDB). The unprecedented project stands as a model for water management solutions across the continent. Engineers successfully drilled through the Al Massira dam — Morocco's second largest water reservoir with a capacity of approximately 2.6 billion cubic meters — to create a new water intake that will supply drinking water to Marrakech's two million inhabitants, AfDB says. The perforation will deliver water via pipeline to the city at a rate of seven cubic metres per second. The project required installing a 40-meter-high cofferdam weighing over 250 tons underwater on the dam wall to create a watertight workspace for drilling operations AfDB explains. Engineers then cut a conduit 2.5 metres in diameter and 10 meters deep through the reinforced concrete wall, extracting a 100-ton block of concrete in the process. The complex operation involved Moroccan and international experts, with dozens of engineers, divers and technicians working in shifts for several months to complete the challenging task. The project forms part of a €150 million program funded by AfDB to improve access to drinking water for Marrakech. The rapidly growing urban and tourist development in the city has generated increasing demand for water, making secure access vital in a region where climate change threatens water resources. This technical solution 'has proven its worth and can be replicated where necessary in Morocco and other African countries,' the Bank states. The Bank has developed a strategic partnership with Morocco in the water sector since the 1970s, financing operations totaling over $1.5 billion. 'The Builder of Dams' Morocco's dam policy dates back to the late King Hassan II, who launched an ambitious program in 1967 with the goal of irrigating one million hectares by 2000. Known as the 'Builder of Dams,' King Hassan II increased Morocco's dam count from just 13 at independence in 1956 to over 100 by the end of his reign, with storage capacity growing from 2 billion cubic meters to 15 billion cubic meters. This legacy continues under King Mohammed VI, who has expanded the country's dam network to 149 dams with a total storage capacity exceeding 18.6 billion cubic meters. Morocco's water initiatives have captured worldwide attention and praise from global leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed admiration during his October 2024 visit to Morocco, stating he was 'very impressed' by the country's water strategy. 'I am very impressed by Morocco's strategy in adapting its model through water highways and urban desalination projects,' Macron remarked, describing it as a holistic strategy that 'France should take inspiration from.' Morocco's historic private investment deal Morocco's water infrastructure recently received a major boost through a historic $14 billion megadeal signed with the United Arab Emirates — the largest private investment in Morocco's modern history. The deal includes the development of four desalination facilities across Morocco, which will collectively produce 900 million cubic meters of water annually using exclusively renewable energy. The project also features a 1,400-kilometer electricity transmission network connecting Dakhla to Casablanca. Just last week, King Mohammed VI reviewed Morocco's water management recovery plan during a ministerial council in Rabat. Minister of Agriculture Ahmed Bouari reported that the rainfall Morocco experienced in recent months, particularly in March, had a 'very positive impact' on cereal production, autumn and spring crops, as well as fruit trees and the vegetation cover. Minister of Water Nizar Baraka added that the country's average dam filling rate currently stands at 40.3%, allowing the mobilization of 6.7 billion cubic meters of water — equivalent to one and a half years of potable water consumption. Spain has also strengthened ties with Morocco through water infrastructure, committing €340 million toward the construction of Africa's largest desalination plant in Casablanca. The facility, budgeted at €620 million and awarded to a consortium led by Spanish company Acciona, will provide 300 million cubic meters of water annually for over seven million residents in the Casablanca metropolitan region. Read also: Experts: Recent Rainfall Does Not End Crisis, Drought Is Part of Morocco's History Tags: African Development Bankwater management Morocco
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
How Hassan II Challenged the UN to Embrace China in 1960
Doha – In 1960, Morocco's Crown Prince Hassan stood before the United Nations. He questioned the absence of China from the international body. 'Is it fair and just that 600 million people, a third of the world's population, are simply not among us?' he challenged. The future King Hassan II's historic appeal for China's admission to the UN has resurfaced. Chinese state news agency Xinhua recently shed light on this pivotal moment in Sino-Moroccan relations. The Crown Prince's powerful address advocated for the inclusion of the People's Republic of China. He urged UN member states to acknowledge China's legitimate place in global governance. 'Is it normal that we meet them in our embassies, in our commercial treaties?' he questioned. 'Is it possible to imagine meeting Chinese representatives in various embassies while this house, which should be everyone's house, remains closed to them?' His appeal emphasized realism in international relations. 'I ask the United Nations, I ask all countries present here, to be realistic, to face the problem and admit the People's Republic of China,' he declared. The Crown Prince astutely noted that China's participation would carry 'certainly a greater weight than its opposition to the General Assembly of the United Nations.' UN finally embraces the People's Republic Morocco was a key African supporter of China's admission to the United Nations. Africa contributed the most favorable votes (26) when the People's Republic of China finally entered the UN in 1971. The resolution admitting the PRC passed with 76 votes in favor, 35 against, and 17 abstentions. This came after a six-day debate on the resolution initially presented by communist Albania with support from twenty-two other countries. Prior to 1971, China was represented at the UN by the Republic of China government. This nationalist government had retreated to Taiwan following the communist victory in mainland China in 1949. The 1971 UN resolution recognized the representatives of the People's Republic of China as 'the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations.' It also expelled the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the position 'they illegally occupy.' Bridging continents through tangible cooperation Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1958, Morocco and China have developed strong bilateral ties. These relations are based on mutual respect, solidarity, and trust. King Mohammed VI's 2016 visit to China came with a clear message: a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral ties, sealed by the signing of a strategic partnership covering key mutual interests. President Xi Jinping made a stopover in Casablanca last November, where he held talks with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan. China now stands as Morocco's third-largest trading partner worldwide and its largest in Asia. Trade between the two countries reached $8 billion in 2023. Chinese companies increasingly target the Moroccan market. They focus particularly on automotive, renewable energy, textile, and agro-industry sectors. Morocco serves as China's gateway to the European Union and the United States. The country's strategic geographical position and free trade agreements make it a key player in intercontinental relations. Morocco became the first North African country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2022. Since then, Morocco has witnessed a surge in strategic Chinese investments. Major projects include the Mohammed VI City of Tangier Tech, Chinese participation in the Noor solar complex, and railway development between Kenitra, Marrakech, and Agadir. China Eastern Airlines and Royal Air Maroc launched new flight routes in January. These connect Shanghai and Beijing with Casablanca three times weekly. Chinese tourism to Morocco has flourished since visa requirements were abolished in 2016. Visitor numbers rose from 118,000 in 2017 to 200,000 in 2019. Both countries are now engaged in an innovative partnership for 2025-2027. This collaboration aims to tackle water scarcity through advanced treatment facilities and water-saving technologies. The relationship between Morocco and China continues to evolve. It builds upon the foundation laid decades ago when Crown Prince Hassan advocated for China on the world stage. Read also: Morocco Guest of Honor at China-Arab Business Conference Tags: King Hassan IIMorocco China Relations
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
From Florence to Fez: World Sacred Music Festival Welcomes Italy as Guest of Honor
Rabat – The upcoming 28th edition of the Fez World Sacred Music Festival may be in Morocco, but it will carry a strong Italian accent. The decision to honor Italy as the guest country came as a natural step for this year's edition, which themed 'Renaissances' or 'Rinascimento.' It is a nod to the country's historical role as the cradle of the Renaissance, and a gesture that brings together two cities, Fez and Florence, with a long-standing connection dating back to 1961. This year, the two countries signed their first cultural twinning agreement under King Hassan II. From the old medina of Fez to the cobblestone streets of Florence, the two cities have always viewed culture as a central force behind their identity. This year's program celebrates joint heritage with a series of artistic exchanges, the most ambitious and exciting being a new collaboration between Fez's festival and the Monteverdi Festival of Cremona, one of Italy's most prestigious baroque music events. The cherry on top of this cultural dialogue will unfurl on the evening of Saturday, May 17, at the historic Bab Makina where Claudio Monteverdi's Vespro della Beata Vergine (The Vespers of the Blessed Virgin) will reverberate through the open-air stage. This masterpiece, composed in 1610, holds an exceptional place in the history of Western music. Bringing this music to life is a symbolic pairing: Antonio Greco, conductor of the Monteverdi Festival Choir and Orchestra, will work together with Mohammed Briouel, leader of the Fez Arabo-Andalusian Orchestra. For Abderrafie Zouitene, President of the Esprit de Fes Foundation, the rekindling between Florence and Fez represents much more than a tribute to the past. 'Fez, founded in the 8th century and home to the world's oldest university, has long stood as a crossroads of knowledge in Africa and the Mediterranean,' he said in a press statement. 'Likewise, Florence helped transmit the ideas of antiquity and gave birth to a renewed vision of humanity through the Renaissance. This festival revives that same spirit of curiosity and cultural dialogue.' The event is also the proud result of steady diplomatic effort. The Italian Embassy in Morocco and the Italian Cultural Institute of Rabat have played an instrumental role in building bridges between the two countries. 'Italy and Morocco share a deep love of art, seen as one of the highest forms of the sacred,' said Italy's Ambassador to Morocco, Armando Barocco. Carmela Callea, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Rabat, described the upcoming concert as 'an invitation to travel, from Cremona, Monteverdi's birthplace and the heart of Italian musical tradition, to Fez, a city where civilizations have long met and mingled.' The festival will also welcome a younger generation of musicians. On Wednesday, May 21, in the gardens of Jnan Sbil, the ensemble Zenaida will offer another window into Renaissance music. Composed of international students from the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, the group manipulates French-Flemish traditions through a new polyphonic lens inspired by Gregorian chant. Their appearance comes through a partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Morocco, further noting the festival's role as a platform for cultural diplomacy.
