أرشيف الطاهر اللهيوي | الذاكرة التاريخية Taher Lhioui Archive | Historical Memory

The Lion of the Mountains: Moulay Ahmed Al-Raisuni and the Arrival of the Ottoman Delegation in Tazarut (Episode 33) Introduction: A Historic Encounter in the Heart of the mountain tribes ​In the month of Muharram 1331 AH, an official delegation representing the Ottoman Caliphate arrived in Tazarut to meet Sharif Moulay Ahmed El Raisuni regarding international political developments. The delegation had traveled from Istanbul at a time when Europe stood on the brink of the First World War. As an ally of Germany, the Ottoman Empire sought to coordinate its strategy should war break out among the European powers, aiming to expand the conflict into northern Morocco to challenge the French Protectorate. ​The Ottoman plan sought to close the Strait of Gibraltar and permit German military operations to monitor this vital maritime passage. For that reason, German representatives maintained close contact with Sharif El Raisuni. Financial assistance, valuable gifts, weapons, ammunition, and mi...

The Northern Front (1920): Military Strategy and Colonial Intrigue Through the Archives of Taher El Lhioui "Where conspiracies failed to break their resolve, the mountains bore witness to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of Northern Morocco's defenders." "Where conspiracies failed to break their resolve, the mountains bore witness to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of Northern Morocco's defenders." Documentary Introduction The year 1920 marked a decisive turning point in the armed resistance of Northern Morocco against Spanish occupation. Through original military correspondence, official documents, and archival records, historian Taher El Lhioui reconstructs this critical period with remarkable precision. His work reveals the determination of the tribal resistance under the leadership of Sharif Moulay Ahmed El Raisuni (the Khalifa) while exposing the covert methods employed by the colonial authorities after repeated military set...

The Appointment of the First Khalifa in Northern Morocco: A Geopolitical Turning Point (Episode 32) Arrival of Moulay El Mehdi ben Ismail at the port of Martil on 27 April 1913, marking the establishment of the Khalifa Administration in Northern Morocco. The accompanying map illustrates the approximate territorial jurisdiction of the Khalifa  The Raisuni Dilemma:  Spanish Colonial Strategy and the Challenge of Local Authority ​In the initial phases of the Spanish occupation, the colonial administration viewed the territory through a lens of pragmatic convenience. They quickly identified Ahmed el-Raisuni as the most influential personality in the North—a figure whose political and religious authority held sway over diverse tribes. ​The Spanish colonial strategy was initially predicated on a simple, albeit flawed, calculation: if they could control the Raisuni, they could control the North. They sought to leverage his influence to facilitate the occupation, hoping he would act ...

Introduction The history of northern Morocco is defined by the fierce resistance against colonial expansion. In this 30th episode of our digital chronicle, we examine a critical period between 1913 and 1915, focusing on the tactical brilliance of Sharif Moulay Ahmed Raisouni and the unwavering bravery of the mountain tribes. This narrative is a testament to the sacrifice of those who stood for their sovereignty. ​ The Spark of Resistance: Battles of Lozien and Dashrien The conflict ignited on June 15, 1913, when the Spanish army launched a major offensive. The tribes, defending their ancestral lands, inflicted heavy casualties, leading to local songs and narratives celebrating the resilience of the mountain women and warriors who resisted the occupation. The conflict expanded rapidly, covering vast stretches of land from the center of Rbat Ibn Qureish to the outskirts of Tangier. ​ Colonial Tactics and the Reality of War By 1914, the Spanish military attempted to stabilize its positi...

​"Among my grandfather's papers lies the document featured below—a record of a scientific colloquium on El Charif Amizian and the armed resistance in Northern Morocco (1909-1912). It is not merely a relic of a bygone era, but a map of dignity that contrasts sharply with the hollow reality of our present." Introduction: The Archive as a Witness ​In the quiet corners of forgotten history, where the dust of ages settles upon the remnants of our past, I found more than just faded documents; I found the heartbeat of a nation that once refused to kneel. Among my grandfather's papers lies the  document—a record of a scientific colloquium on El Charif Amizian and the armed resistance in Northern Morocco (1909-1912). It is not merely a relic of a bygone era, but a map of dignity that contrasts sharply with the hollow reality of our present. ​Today, we bear witness to the methodical assassination of a homeland. It is not an assassination by sword, but by a systematic eros...

The Legacy of Sharif Raisuni: A Deep Dive into the Rebellion of Takazert and the Conference of Rakibat Takouk ​The history of Northern Morocco is incomplete without understanding the tumultuous leadership of Sharif Raisuni. His era was marked by fierce tribal loyalty, strategic power struggles, and profound humanitarian shifts. In this 29th installment of our digital archives, we explore two defining moments: the total destruction of Takazert and the challenging political climate that led to the Conference of Rakibat Takouk. ​ The Destruction of Takazert: A Turning Point in Tribal Relations ​The relationship between Sharif Raisuni and the local tribes was often characterized by volatility. When tensions escalated, particularly with the tribes of Ahl al-Akhmas, the Sharif did not hesitate to display his military strength. The decision to destroy the village of Takazert stands as one of the most drastic measures taken during his rule. The village was razed to the ground, leaving it...

Episode 28 Raisuni’s War: Silvestre’s Folly, The Battle of Tallal, and the Fall of Colonel Morales ​The history of Northern Morocco is defined by legendary clashes, but few chapters are as dramatic as the confrontation between the Sharif Muhammad ibn Abdallah al-Raisuni and the Spanish colonial forces, spearheaded by the notoriously stubborn General Manuel Silvestre. This period of the Rif War was not merely a series of battles; it was a masterclass in guerrilla warfare, psychological pressure, and strategic deception that pushed the Spanish military to its breaking point in the wild forests of Bouhachem. ​The Three-Front Strategy ​The Raisuni’s resistance was not a singular event but a calculated Three-Front War. He understood that to defeat a modernized colonial army, he could not rely on conventional combat. Instead, he employed a three-fold strategy: ​ The War of Terrain: Luring General Silvestre’s forces into the impenetrable, rugged landscapes of the Bouhachem forests, where ...

Book cover featuring Moulay Ahmed El Raisuni, leader of the tribal revolution in Northern Morocco, from the historical work of Taher El Lhioui Northern Morocco Archive Digital English Edition of History of the Leader Moulay Ahmed El Raisuni Leader of the Tribal Revolution in Northern Morocco Author: Taher El Lhioui Original Arabic Edition: Second Edition (2024–2025) Publisher:   Slaiki Akhawayn Printing, Publishing and Distribution in Tangier Preliminary Index: This is a preliminary index intended to provide an initial structure for the book. It will remain under development until the entire work is completed, after which the indexes will be digitized, standardized, and prepared for printing. PART I Introduction to the Archive and the Author Episode 1 Taher El Lhioui Archive – Digital Launch Episode 2 Chapter One – Foundations Episode 3 Taher El Lhioui: Historian Legacy Episode 4 Digitization of Northern Morocco Episode 5 The Fall of the Pretender and the T...

Episode 27: The Treacherous Letters and the Feud between Tazarout and Takrzat ​ Introduction: The Roots of Discord in the Taher Lhioui Archive Within the historical records preserved in the Taher Lhioui Archive | Historical Memory , certain episodes stand out not for their battlefield triumphs, but for the complex socio-political fractures that tested the resilience of the Moroccan resistance. This chapter explores the "Two Malicious Letters" (The Treacherous Letters), an event that ignited a bitter conflict between the villages of Tazarout and Takrzat. By examining this period, we uncover how colonial powers—specifically under Colonel Silvestre—exploited local grievances to undermine the leadership of Sharif Moulay Ahmed Raisuni. ​ The Catalyst: The Two Malicious Letters The controversy began when Sharif Muhammad assumed leadership of the Jihad. An unidentified man delivered two letters to the Sharif, claiming they originated from the "Nasara" (the colonial occupi...

Episode 26 of the History of Al-Raissouni: The Battle of Al-Talal and Heroic Confrontations in Northern Morocco ​Support from Moulay Abdelhafid for the Jihad Movement ​Sharif Al-Raissouni moved to the Ribat of Dar Al-Shawi, where he received a message of thanks and appreciation from Moulay Abdelhafid in support of his jihad efforts. This honorarium included luxurious royal tents, five horses from the elite royal war-horses, as well as clothing and saddles. Among the tents was the famous "Afarg" tent, known among royalty. Moulay Abdelhafid also sent a group of fighters led by Ahmed, who was under the command of the leader Mohamed Al-Roudani. ​The Details of the Historical Battle of Al-Talal ​The Battle of Al-Talal is considered one of the most prominent chapters of the liberation war in northern Morocco, in which Sharif Moulay Ahmed Al-Raissouni participated alongside his men. ​ Post-Battle Events: Al-Raissouni established a new ribat in "Souq Arbaa Ayasha" after ...

Title: Episode 25: The First Battle of Tallal and the Leadership of Sharif Moulay Ahmed Raisuni ​ Introduction In this episode of the "Taher Lhioui Archive | Historical Memory" series, we delve into the details of the "First Battle of Tallal." This historic confrontation marks a pivotal moment in the history of Moroccan resistance against the Spanish colonial occupation under the leadership of the legendary Sharif Moulay Ahmed Raisuni. ​ The Battle Details The battle commenced on 8 Sha'ban 1331 AH (June 15, 1913 AD). The Mujahideen forces, led by Sharif Moulay Ahmed Raisuni, engaged with the Spanish forces commanded by Colonel Silvestre in the Tallal area, located between Souq Arba'a Ayasha and Souq al-Had in the Gharbiya tribe. The battle lasted for four consecutive days, characterized by the fierce bravery of the fighters who utilized precise tactical maneuvers. ​ The Role of Women in Resistance One of the most notable aspects of this battle was the sign...

Introduction ​The resistance movement led by Sharif Moulay Ahmed Er-Rissouni represents a critical chapter in the history of northern Morocco. By 1913, the tension between Er-Rissouni and the Spanish colonial administration reached a breaking point, leading to a profound military escalation. ​ The Strategic Significance of Zinat ​Zinat served as both the birthplace and the political headquarters of Sharif Moulay Ahmed Er-Rissouni. Its administrative importance, combined with its symbolic value, made it a primary target for the Spanish colonial forces, causing significant alarm within the political circles of Madrid. The Spanish administration viewed the village as a symbol of Er-Rissouni’s influence, which they sought to eradicate to consolidate their control over the region. ​ The Failed Offensive of Colonel Silvestre ​On May 5, 1913 (27 Jumada I, 1331 AH), Colonel Silvestre launched a major military offensive against Zinat, aiming to dismantle Er-Rissouni's power structure. Desp...

Episode 23: The Mujahideen’s Pact: Purging Corruption Before the Jihad ​In 1331 AH (1912 AD), a pivotal conference was held in Northern Morocco, bringing together the leaders of the Mujahideen tribes. Under the leadership of the revolutionary leader, Sharif Moulay Ahmed al-Raisuni, the tribes convened at the shrine of the saint Sidi Mezwar to formalize a crucial agreement: the purging of the tribes from corruption. ​The Campaign Against Corruption ​The conference specifically addressed the issue of prostitution, which had spread through illicit means. Al-Raisuni ordered the collection of all prostitutes from the various cities and tribes. Seventy women were gathered at the shrine of Sidi Mezwar in the Qal’at Hajar al-Nasr, located in the Sumata tribe. In a structured approach to rehabilitation, these women were given the choice to either marry, enter domestic service in reputable households, or return to their families—allowing each individual the freedom to choose her own path. ​Sta...

Episode 22: From Alliance to Rupture – The Conflict Between Sharif Ahmed Al-Raisuni and Colonel Silvestre (1911–1913) ​ Introduction The relationship between Sharif Ahmed Al-Raisuni and the Spanish military commander, Colonel Manuel Fernández Silvestre, evolved from a framework of fragile cooperation into open hostility. This deterioration was driven by competing visions of sovereignty and the colonial ambition to undermine the Sharif’s administrative control over the Jbala region. ​ The Crisis of Authority and the "Prisoners of the Two Villages" The tension escalated significantly regarding the status of the "prisoners of the two villages" (Banī 'Arūs). ​Colonel Silvestre sought to undermine the Sharif by fostering alliances with local rivals and officials to bypass Al-Raisuni’s directives. ​In January 1913, Silvestre informed the Spanish Minister of Defense that he had confiscated assets from Al-Raisuni’s administration, including 13,500 pesetas and vari...