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Moroccans on Thursday, corresponding to 9 Rabiʿ al-Thani 1447, commemorate the 27th anniversary of the passing of King Hassan II, a sovereign remembered as a statesman who steered the country onto the path of modernization and national renewal.
The commemoration comes as Morocco prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Green March, reflecting the enduring will of the Moroccan people to honor decisive chapters of their history and to pay tribute to a monarch who combined vision with pragmatism, leading the nation toward progress while preserving its heritage and identity.
October 9, 1999 (9 Rabiʿ al-Thani 1420) marked a day of mourning for the country, which bid farewell to a leader who, during 38 years of rule, positioned Morocco as a beacon among nations. Hassan II’s reign was marked by political acumen and foresight, qualities that enabled him to guide Morocco through turbulent global crises of the 20th century.
Under his leadership, Morocco consolidated its territorial integrity, most notably through the peaceful Green March, which garnered worldwide recognition. Hassan II laid the foundations of a state based on institutions, law, and order, and placed the country in a position of influence on the international stage. His efforts allowed Morocco to play an active role in global peacebuilding, with world leaders frequently seeking his counsel.
Economic and social development also defined his reign. Deep reforms and ambitious projects modernized Morocco, earning it a reputation as a rising and modernizing country balancing tradition and modernity. The late king oversaw the establishment of democratic institutions, the reinforcement of public freedoms, the entrenchment of human rights, and the encouragement of cultural, artistic, and sporting creativity.
Hassan II was not only a political architect but also a religious figure. As “Commander of the Faithful,” he drew on his lineage to the Alaouite dynasty and his deep knowledge of Islam. He revived long-standing traditions such as the “Hassani lectures,” which continue to gather leading Islamic scholars for dialogue across schools of thought. He championed mosque construction worldwide, particularly in Africa, with Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque standing as an enduring monument to his vision.
Internationally, Hassan II was an ardent defender of dialogue as a path to peace. He played a notable role in the Arab-Israeli conflict, supporting the Palestinian cause and facilitating opportunities for peace in the Middle East. His commitment was evident during the 1974 Arab Summit in Rabat.
On the African continent, he was a founding figure of the Organization of African Unity, today’s African Union. In recognition of his contribution to African unity and liberation, Ethiopia awarded him a continental prize during the first African Youth Summit in 2022.
In the Maghreb, Hassan II worked to establish the Arab Maghreb Union as a strategic project, rooted in shared history, religion, and language, aiming to strengthen solidarity among its member states and promote justice, prosperity, and peace.
As Moroccans mark this anniversary, they also reflect on the continuation of Hassan II’s legacy under King Mohammed VI, who has undertaken ambitious modernization projects across the country. From infrastructure to diplomacy, these initiatives aim to position Morocco firmly in the 21st century while consolidating its sovereignty over the Sahara and transforming the region into a driver of continental development.
MWN with MAP
