Portuguese Morocco
Centro de Estudos Comparatistas | Centro de História
Date: September 20th, 11.00-13.00
Venue: Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa – Anfiteatro III
Professor Fatima Harrak (Institute of African Studies, University Mohamed V – Rabat, Morocco)
Abstract:
While the relatively short-lived French and Spanish Protectorates in Morocco (1912 to 1955) are well researched topics in Moroccan historiography, the three centuries’ long colonial presence of Portugal on the Moroccan Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts have benefited of very limited attention from Moroccan Historians. Nonetheless, and relying on these scarce works, I will attempt in my lecture to highlight the view from Morocco of the tumultuous history of Portuguese colonialism in Morocco between 1415 and 1769, starting with the annexation of Ceuta in 1415, to Morocco’s recuperation of El Jadida in 1769, passing by the occupation then liberation of Tangiers, Asilah, Azemmour, Safi, Essaouira and Agadir. A pause for reflection at some “lieux de mémoire” will be an occasion to propose a “colonized” reading of the complex and passionate relations which linked Morocco and Portugal in the past. The discussion which will follow my presentation will hopefully be an chance for a two-sided deliberation on how to transform this shared historical capital into an investment in bonds of solidarity and equal opportunity for the two nations and the two peoples.
[No âmbito do ciclo MEMÓRIAS COLONIAIS, uma parceria CEC/FLUL – CULTURGEST – CEsA/CESA, a Professora Fatima Harrak falará sobre a representação, na historiografia marroquina, da longa presença portuguesa em Marrocos (1415-1769)]