Latest news with #Simou
Maroc
2 days ago
- General
- Maroc
Italy Honors Royal Archives' Head for Promoting Morocco-Italy Cultural Dialogue
The Director of the Royal Archives of Morocco, Bahija Simou, has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her contribution to the promotion of heritage and Moroccan-Italian cultural dialogue. The insignia were presented to Simou by the Italy's Ambassador to Morocco Armando Barucco, on behalf of the President, on the occasion of Italy's National Day celebration. According to Barucco, this prestigious award—of which only ten are awarded each year—pays tribute to a remarkable and exceptional contribution to the promotion of Moroccan historical heritage, as well as to the significant development of scientific and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Italy. An internationally recognized historian, Simou has distinguished herself through her rigorous work on political and diplomatic relations between Morocco and Italy, as evidenced by numerous landmark publications. As a member of the Strategic Council of the Italian foundation Leonardo MedOr, Simou plays a key role in Euro-Mediterranean academic forums, actively working to preserve collective memory. On this occasion, she praised "the strong symbolism" of this award, emphasizing that her research on Italy highlights "the geopolitical importance of both Morocco and Italy within the Euro-Mediterranean space." She also recalled the historical depth of bilateral relations, which date back to the 12th century. After Italian unification, Morocco adopted a friendly stance toward Italy, which, following Morocco's independence, became one of the Kingdom's first economic partners. Italy was also the first European country visited by the late His Majesty Mohammed V. Simou noted that this 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." (MAP: 04 June 2025)
Morocco World
2 days ago
- General
- Morocco World
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.
