Morocco Remembers Iconic King Hassan II 20 Years After his Death

Rabat – Today’s date,  July 23, marks the death of King Hassan II. The Moroccan monarch was in power from 1961 until his death in 1999.

The great king remains a symbol of strength and power for thousands in Morocco. The events of his reign still mark the country 20 years after his death. 

Intelligence and sharp wit are a combination that reinforced his personality. The King, who was always interested in medical science, was the first foreign monarch to patent an invention in the US.

The late monarch invented a system to study the heartbeat. The invention combined videotape and an electrocardiogram.

King Hassan II, who was a lawyer,  was a man of distinct charisma which made some Moroccans believe that he enjoyed a special “Baraka,” a mystical protective karma.

King Hassan II’s funeral brought important delegations from all continents, World leaders, including former president of the US Bill Clinton, attended the funeral.

King Hassan II also helped bring about the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

Furthermore, he helped bring about the subsequent agreements between the Palestine Liberation Organization, Jordan, and Israel.

It is believed that more than one million Moroccans walked the road to attend the funeral procession, emphasizing the love Moroccan citizens had for him. 

Citizens carried pictures, chanting slogans to mourn the death of their beloved King.

In addition to his mediation efforts, the late monarch is also remembered for the historic Green March. The late king called Moroccan citizens to undertake a peaceful March from the north to the south to defend Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.

“We have to do one thing dear people and that is to undertake a peaceful march from the north, the east, the west to the south. It behooves us to act as one man in order to join the Sahara,” King Hassan II said on October 16, 1975.

With respect and appreciation, more than 350,000 Moroccans took the speech to heart without hesitation.

For the King and his  descendants, the Green march is sacred. 

The late King passed on the same ambition and goals to his son, King Mohammed VI who ascended to the throne immediately after the death of his father.

In addition to his commitment to  the middle east, King Hassan was also committed to keeping his connections with other continents alive.

King Hassan II  was also close to the media. Unlike King Mohammed VI, the late monarch accepted interviews with the press, especially with French media.

Fluent in French, the charming monarch amazed journalists as he spoke about democracy and politics.

The iconic monarch was also known for his sartorial choices. Always dressed in a well-tailored suit, the charismatic king charmed his subjects with his compelling voice. 

The late king’s style, charm, and commitment to the betterment of his country will long be remembered by the people of Morocco.