Morocco marks 1200th anniversary in city of Fez

08/04/2008

A city-wide party in Fez last Saturday drew thousands of Moroccans eager to celebrate twelve centuries of history. Hundreds of musical performers and a visual extravaganza showcased Morocco's cultural diversity.

By Mawassi Lahcen for Magharebia in Casablanca – 07/04/08

[Mawassi Lahcen] Singer Françoise Atlan (right) in a traditional Moroccan Jewish dress, and singer Majida El Yahyaoui (left) in a traditional Moroccan Islamic dress, perform during celebrations of Fez's 1200th anniversary.

Moroccans converged on Fez last weekend to celebrate the 1200th anniversary of the city's foundation and the country's beginnings. The historic city, known as the "cultural and spiritual capital of the Islamic West," was established in its current location in 808 AD by King Idris II, the ancestor of Morocco's current King Mohammed VI.

Part of the ancient city wall parallel to Bab Boujloud square was turned into an enormous cinema screen for an audio-visual extravaganza on Saturday (April 5th). In a panoramic review of 12 centuries of Moroccan history entitled "Harmonious Square", images projected onto a 160-metre long screen showed how the convergence of Arab, Islamic, Amazigh, Hebrew, African and Sahrawi cultural currents shaped the country's identity.

Some of the scenes chosen to represent modern history showed demonstrations against human rights abuses in Morocco, protests in Casablanca calling for women's rights and rallies condemning terrorism.

Hundreds of performers entertaining the large audience ranged from rap artists to a Spanish Flamenco band. The crowd buzzed to duets from Moroccan Majida El Yahyaoui and Jewish-Algerian singer Françoise Atlan, who blended Hebrew and Arabic in Moroccan Malhoun songs. Revellers also enjoyed Gnaoua music from Moroccan bandleader Hamid El Kasri and Malian singer Oumo Sangari's mix of Moroccan and African slang.

There was even a musical with an anti-terrorism theme which called on the country's youth to pursue freedom, tolerance and love instead of bombings.

The big, open-air celebration drew thousands of Moroccans eager to celebrate their long history. Fez hotels were filled to capacity, with many visitors forced to stay in nearby Meknès, Moulay Yacoub and Sidi Harazem.

In a message to celebrants read by Prince Moulay Rachid, King Mohammed VI said the anniversary commemorated the foundation of Morocco as an independent state unified by moderate Sunni Islam, a diverse population and a mutual allegiance between the throne and the people. For 12 centuries, he said, Fez has been a unique model for the co-existence of civilizations and cultures.

Saad Kettani, the high commissioner of the association responsible for planning Fez's 1200th anniversary gala, told Magharebia that the celebration would continue throughout 2008. More than 20 national and international festivals will highlight the history of Morocco, its pluralistic identity and the wealth of its civilisation and culture, he said.

Kettani added, "Our primary goal is the youth. We want them to grasp their history and the elements of their identity; to be proud of their Moroccanness, and of their affiliation to this unique mix of cultures and civilisations that lives in accord, harmony and peace."