The Alaouite Dynasty (Today)
Sharifian Roots
The Alaouite dynasty, like the Saadians before them, claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad, giving the family deep religious legitimacy. The dynasty takes its name from Ali, an ancestor, and traces its origins to the Tafilalt region in southeastern Morocco, where the family settled centuries ago.
As the Saadian dynasty collapsed into civil war in the mid-17th century, Morocco fragmented into competing zones controlled by warlords, religious leaders, and tribal coalitions. The Alaouites stepped into this vacuum, using their sharifian prestige to gather support and reunify the country.
Founding the Dynasty
The dynasty's rise is usually dated to the 1660s, when Moulay al-Rashid succeeded in conquering much of the country and capturing Fez and Marrakesh. He established Alaouite authority over a reunited Morocco and laid the foundations of the state that endures today.
His successor, Moulay Ismail, who reigned from 1672 to 1727, was one of the most powerful rulers in Moroccan history. He built a new capital at Meknes with grand palaces and walls, created a formidable standing army, and recovered territory from European and Ottoman pressure, cementing Alaouite control.
Surviving the Age of Empire
Through the 18th and 19th centuries the Alaouite sultans worked to maintain Moroccan independence as European powers expanded across Africa. Morocco was one of the few African states never fully colonized in the classical sense, though it faced mounting economic and military pressure.
Sultans balanced internal tribal politics with cautious diplomacy toward France, Spain, and Britain. Despite reforms and resistance, the kingdom's autonomy eroded, and in 1912 Morocco was forced to accept a French protectorate over most of the country, with Spain controlling northern and southern zones.
The Protectorate and Independence
During the French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, the Alaouite sultan remained on the throne as a symbol of national identity even though real power lay with the French administration. Sultan Mohammed V became a focal point for the independence movement and was exiled by the French in 1953, an act that inflamed nationalist sentiment.
Popular pressure forced his return in 1955, and in 1956 Morocco regained its independence with Mohammed V as the unifying leader. He took the title of king in 1957, transforming the historic sultanate into a modern monarchy while preserving the Alaouite line.
Hassan II and Modern Morocco
Mohammed V was succeeded in 1961 by his son Hassan II, whose long reign lasted until 1999. Hassan II consolidated royal authority, navigated Cold War politics, and oversaw the 1975 Green March, a mass civilian procession into the Western Sahara that asserted Moroccan claims to the territory.
His rule saw both stability and tension, including periods of political repression. Nonetheless he strengthened the institution of the monarchy, positioned Morocco as a Western-aligned state, and prepared the ground for the transition to his son and successor.
King Mohammed VI Today
Mohammed VI ascended the throne in 1999 and remains king today. His reign has been marked by efforts at modernization, including reforms to the family law code known as the Moudawana, major infrastructure projects, and economic development initiatives across the country.
As both head of state and 'Commander of the Faithful', the king holds significant political and religious authority. The Alaouite dynasty's continuity over more than three and a half centuries makes it one of the oldest reigning royal houses in the world, central to Moroccan identity and stability.
| Ruler or event | Period or date |
|---|---|
| Moulay al-Rashid (founder) | reigned 1660s-1672 |
| Moulay Ismail | 1672-1727 |
| French protectorate begins | 1912 |
| Independence under Mohammed V | 1956 |
| Hassan II | 1961-1999 |
| Mohammed VI (current king) | since 1999 |
Key Alaouite rulers and milestones
FAQ
Who is the current king of Morocco?
The current king of Morocco is Mohammed VI, who ascended the throne in 1999. He belongs to the Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled the country since the 17th century.
How long has the Alaouite dynasty ruled?
The Alaouite dynasty has ruled Morocco since the 1660s, making it more than three and a half centuries old and one of the longest-reigning royal houses in the world.
Why does the Alaouite dynasty have religious legitimacy?
The Alaouites claim descent from the Prophet Muhammad, making them a sharifian family. The king also holds the religious title 'Commander of the Faithful', reinforcing his spiritual authority.
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