Alaouite

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Alaouite	The term “Alaouite” refers to the ruling dynasty of Morocco, established in the 17th century and originating from the Tafilalet region. The Alaouites are a Moroccan dynasty of sharifian origin, claiming direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad through his son-in-law Ali and daughter Fatima. Their name derives from Ali Cherif, a religious and political leader based in the Tafilalet region in the 17th century. The Alaouite dynasty rose to power after the decline of the Saadian dynasty, during a period of political fragmentation. Moulay Rashid (1666–1672) is regarded as the effective founder of their rule, consolidated by his brother Moulay Isma’il (1672–1727), who centralised power and launched significant building projects. Since then, the Alaouites have managed to preserve their throne by adapting to shifting regional and international circumstances. They played a central role in safeguarding Morocco’s unity, negotiating with European powers, and later resisting colonial domination. In the 20th century, Mohammed V symbolised the struggle for independence, achieved in 1956. His successors Hassan II (1961–1999) and Mohammed VI (since 1999) continued the Alaouite legacy. Today the Alaouite monarchy is one of the world’s oldest reigning dynasties. Thus, the term “Alaouite” may refer to the dynasty itself or, more broadly, to aspects connected with its rulers, politics or cultural expressions.

Term

Definition

The term “Alaouite” refers to the ruling dynasty of Morocco, established in the 17th century and originating from the Tafilalet region.

The Alaouites are a Moroccan dynasty of sharifian origin, claiming direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad through his son-in-law Ali and daughter Fatima. Their name derives from Ali Cherif, a religious and political leader based in the Tafilalet region in the 17th century.

The Alaouite dynasty rose to power after the decline of the Saadian dynasty, during a period of political fragmentation. Moulay Rashid (1666–1672) is regarded as the effective founder of their rule, consolidated by his brother Moulay Isma’il (1672–1727), who centralised power and launched significant building projects.

Since then, the Alaouites have managed to preserve their throne by adapting to shifting regional and international circumstances. They played a central role in safeguarding Morocco’s unity, negotiating with European powers, and later resisting colonial domination.

In the 20th century, Mohammed V symbolised the struggle for independence, achieved in 1956. His successors Hassan II (1961–1999) and Mohammed VI (since 1999) continued the Alaouite legacy. Today the Alaouite monarchy is one of the world’s oldest reigning dynasties.

Thus, the term “Alaouite” may refer to the dynasty itself or, more broadly, to aspects connected with its rulers, politics or cultural expressions.