Chapter 2: The Digitization of Northern Moroccan History and the Archive of Taher El Lhioui
Phase I: Historical Instability and the Emergence of Rebellion
The general state of Morocco upon the death of Sultan Moulay Hassan I in 1891 (1311 AH) was characterized by a precarious political transition. The Sultan's young son, Moulay Abdelaziz, ascended the throne at the age of eleven. Lacking established maternal kin within the Makhzen, the young Sultan fell under the influence of the influential vizier "Ba Ahmed," known as Ahmed bin Musa al-Bukhari. Ba Ahmed systematically marginalized those who had served the late Sultan, consolidating power and favoring those who served his own political agenda. During this period, the training of the Moroccan army was heavily influenced by foreign military personnel, such as Colonel Maclean, whose loyalties were questioned by contemporary accounts.
The Rise and Nature of the "Bou Hamara" Rebellion
The figure known as "Bou Hamara," whose true name was Jilali bin Idris al-Zarhuni from the Jebel Zerhoun region, emerged as a significant threat to state stability. Initially presenting himself as a fagih and a practitioner of mystical arts, he exploited public grievances and the political weakness of the Makhzen. He gained widespread notoriety by claiming to be a leader who would restore the dignity of the country and oppose foreign encroachment, specifically accusing the Sultan of surrendering sovereignty to colonial powers. He established a quasi-state administration with his capital at "Qasbat Selouane," which served as his power base for several years.
Financial Maneuvers and Internal Treachery
The state's financial crisis was deepened by the actions of various viziers and officials, including Omar al-Tazi and al-Mnebhi, who engaged in the mismanagement of state funds and the accumulation of foreign debt. The conflict was frequently characterized by shifting alliances and treachery; officials fled to Tangier to escape justice, while government military leaders struggled to maintain control. The case of al-Qaid al-Barkawi illustrates the brutality of these internal conflicts, where personal vendettas and political survival overrode the interests of the state.
The Defeat of Bou Hamara and the Religious Verdict
Following his defeat at "Magen al-Bakhta," where his forces suffered heavy losses, the rebellion began to unravel. In 1326 AH (1908 AD), the Ulama (scholars) of Fez issued a formal Fatwa denying the religious and political legitimacy of Bou Hamara's movement. This ruling was grounded in Islamic legal principles emphasizing the necessity of unity and obedience to the Sultan, framing the rebellion as a direct threat to the welfare of the Muslim community (Ummah).
Continue reading: The Digitization of Northern Moroccan Archives
بقلم: الباحث جعفر اللهيوي
المشرف على منصة "أرشيف شمال المغرب" للتوثيق والبحث التاريخي.
المشرف على منصة "أرشيف شمال المغرب" للتوثيق والبحث التاريخي.
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