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Tomorrow, Monday, November 18, 2024, the Moroccan people will commemorate the sixty-ninth anniversary of the glorious Independence Day, which embodied the highest meanings of cohesion between the Alawite throne and the Moroccan people in the epic struggle to defend the nation’s unity, sovereignty, and sanctities.
This glorious anniversary is considered a well-established milestone in the history of the Kingdom and in the conscience of all Moroccans, because it carries profound connotations and high value, and is an occasion to recall the historical context of this great event, which reflects true patriotism in its highest and most sublime manifestations, and embodies the victory of the will of the throne and the people and their close fusion for liberation from colonialism and the establishment of… He established an independent and unified Morocco that envisions a bright future for its children.
Peoples do not mature and expand their aspirations to build their present and future, except by recalling their history, approaching its moments of struggle, and its battles for survival and continuity, highlighting its distinctive entity among nations, and drawing lessons from its various stations, in order to dedicate the force of attraction in the past and present moments towards a future that seeks the best. .
One of the most prominent historical milestones that characterized the path of the national struggle was the historic visit made by the father of nationalism and the hero of liberation, His Majesty the late Mohammed V, to Tangier on April 9, 1947, as an affirmation of the attachment of Morocco, as king and people, to the freedom of the homeland, its territorial integrity, and its adherence to its components and identity.
One of the masterpieces of the national struggle is what the National Movement did at the beginning of the thirties by moving to political struggle and national action aimed primarily at spreading national awareness, strengthening resolve, and stoking enthusiasm among the youth and within all segments and classes of Moroccan society. The National Movement also worked to publicize the Moroccan issue in international forums, which had a shock effect on the foreign presence, which was confronting the national political struggle with arbitrary measures and plans that were hostile to the liberal thought that the National Movement adopted in interaction and harmony with the father of the nation and the hero of liberation and independence, His Majesty the late Muhammad V, may God sanctify him. His soul.
The colonizers did not succeed in stopping this tide of struggle, which then took root in the depths of all Moroccans, despite his exile of His Majesty the late Mohammed V, along with his honorable family, to Corsica and then to Madagascar, which was evident through the massive uprising witnessed, in its aftermath, by all Moroccan cities and villages.
All parts of the Kingdom witnessed many heroic battles and popular uprisings that embodied the resistance of the Moroccan people to the foreign presence and colonial hegemony, the most prominent of which were the battles of Al-Hari, Anwal, Bougafre, Jebel Badou, Sidi Bou Othman, the uprising of the tribes of Ait Ba Amrane and the southern provinces, and other historical stations in which the resistors taught the colonial forces eloquent lessons. In perseverance and sacrifice.
As a moment of unity for the nation, reflecting the memory of the courageous struggle of a people united behind their king, the spark of the revolution of the king and the people was launched on August 20, 1953, the celebration of which is an opportunity for the rising generations to realize the magnitude of the sacrifices made by their ancestors to liberate themselves from the oppression of colonialism and to restore Morocco to its independence.
The strong will of the nation triumphed, in harmony with the throne, to defend sacred national values, against the plans of the colonizer, who did not realize that by exiling the symbol of the nation, His Majesty the late Mohammed V, and his honorable family, he had only inflamed Moroccan patriotism and hastened the end of the era of confinement and protection.
Immediately upon the return of His Majesty the late Mohammed V, accompanied by his royal family, on November 18, 1955, from exile to the homeland, His Majesty announced the end of the French protectorate system and the dawn of freedom and independence, thus embodying the transition from the battle of the lesser jihad to the battle of the greater jihad and the victory of the revolution of the king and the people.
Independence constituted a clear victory and a decisive historical event, crowning with glory the stages of the bitter struggle that followed one another and had many forms and shapes in the face of the colonial presence imposed since March 30, 1912. The Kingdom of Morocco entered a new era, represented by the famous saying of His Majesty the late King Mohammed V, may God rest his soul. “We have moved from the smaller jihad to the larger jihad,” as the Kingdom has engaged in many reforms that… It was launched by the Father of the Nation and concerned all vital sectors in order to build the new Morocco and continue the odyssey of achieving territorial unity.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Al-Moneim, His Majesty the late King Hassan II fought the battle to complete territorial unity. During his reign, the city of Sidi Ifni was recovered on June 30, 1969, and the recovery of the southern provinces was also achieved thanks to the Green March that began on November 6, 1975. In addition to that, he was keen to His Majesty the late Hassan II for building the rule of law and modern institutions, and establishing an exemplary political and democratic system.
In order to consolidate the construction process pursued by His Majesty the late Mohammed V and after him His Majesty the late Hassan II, today, during the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God grant him victory, Morocco’s modernization workshops continue, first and foremost the defense of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the achievement of sustainable economic and social development that guarantees Every citizen has a decent life, and the Kingdom is elevated to the ranks of countries that make the human element the focus of its economic and social policy.
The celebration of Independence Day represents a moment for a contemplative pause that recalls the history of Morocco, which is rich in glories and bright milestones in order to defend the country’s sanctities, and an opportunity to draw inspiration from the lofty values and noble goals that this anniversary abounds, to fuel comprehensive mobilization, cultivate the spirit of citizenship, fortify democratic gains, and continue the journey. The Great Jihad, consolidating and preserving the territorial integrity of Morocco, and linking the ancient past with the glorious present and promising future.
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What was the impact of King Mohammed V’s visit to Tangier in 1947 on the Moroccan independence movement?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Benkarim, Historian and Author on Moroccan Independence**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Benkarim. As we approach the sixty-ninth anniversary of Morocco’s Independence Day, can you discuss the significance of His Majesty King Mohammed V’s historic visit to Tangier on April 9, 1947?
**Dr. Benkarim**: Thank you for having me. King Mohammed V’s visit to Tangier marked a pivotal moment in the Moroccan national struggle. It was not merely a visit; it was a declaration of unity between the king and his people, reaffirming their commitment to freedom, territorial integrity, and national identity. This event catalyzed the growing nationalist sentiment and resistance against colonial rule.
**Interviewer**: Absolutely. The National Movement played a crucial role in mobilizing public sentiment during the colonial period. How did this movement shape the political landscape in Morocco during the 1930s and beyond?
**Dr. Benkarim**: The National Movement was instrumental in transitioning from a passive resistance to active political engagement. In the early 1930s, it worked tirelessly to spread national consciousness and invigorate Moroccans across various demographics. Their efforts to bring attention to the Moroccan issue on international platforms galvanized public sentiment and pressured colonial authorities, despite their attempts to suppress dissent.
**Interviewer**: Despite colonial repression and the exile of King Mohammed V, we saw widespread popular uprisings. What can you tell us about the resilience of the Moroccan people during this time?
**Dr. Benkarim**: The resilience was remarkable. Even after the exile of King Mohammed V to Corsica and Madagascar, Moroccans organized widespread uprisings. These included notable battles such as Al-Hari and Anwal, demonstrating the unyielding spirit of the people. The struggle became deeply rooted in their collective identity and propelled them toward eventual liberation.
**Interviewer**: The spark of the revolution is famously linked to the date August 20, 1953. Can you elaborate on that moment and its importance in Moroccan history?
**Dr. Benkarim**: Certainly! August 20, 1953, symbolizes the unity between the throne and the people. It was the ignition of widespread resistance that underscored the sacrifices made for independence. The day became a rallying point for future generations to remember the persistent struggle against colonialism and the significance of collective action in achieving freedom.
**Interviewer**: With the return of King Mohammed V on November 18, 1955, independence became a reality. How did this transition redefine the nation’s trajectory?
**Dr. Benkarim**: The return of King Mohammed V heralded the end of colonial rule and the dawn of a new era. His famous declaration about moving from “the smaller jihad to the larger jihad” reflected a shift from direct resistance to a focus on nation-building and reform. It set the stage for Morocco to pursue reforms across various sectors, laying the groundwork for a unified and independent state.
**Interviewer**: As we commemorate this anniversary, what lessons can the younger generation draw from Morocco’s struggle for independence?
**Dr. Benkarim**: The ongoing relevance of history cannot be understated. By reflecting on the values of unity, perseverance, and patriotism displayed by their ancestors, the younger generation can develop a deeper sense of identity and purpose. It’s crucial to remember the sacrifices made for their freedom and to continue working towards a better future for Morocco.
**Interviewer**: Thank you so much, Dr. Benkarim, for sharing your insights on this significant chapter in Morocco’s history.
**Dr. Benkarim**: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the rich history and ongoing journey of our nation.