The El Glaoui family

The El Glaoui family was one of the most powerful and influential families in Morocco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the "Lords of the Atlas," they ruled much of southern Morocco and played a significant role in the country's political, economic, and cultural life. Their legacy is closely tied to the history of Morocco during the French colonial period, as well as the traditional Berber (Amazigh) culture of the Atlas Mountains.

Origins and Early History

1. Berber Heritage:

   • The El Glaoui family belonged to the Glaoua (or Glawa) tribe, a Berber (Amazigh) group from the High Atlas Mountains. The tribe's name is derived from the Berber word aglaw, meaning "rock" or "mountain."

   • The family's ancestral home was the village of Telouet, located in the Ounila Valley, where they built their famous kasbah.

2. Rise to Power:

   • The El Glaoui family's rise to power began in the late 19th century under Madani El Glaoui, who served as the Grand Vizier (chief minister) to Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz.

   • Madani and his younger brother Thami El Glaoui consolidated their power by forming alliances with local tribes and leveraging their influence over the southern regions of Morocco.

Political Influence

1. Alliance with the French:

   • During the French colonial period (1912–1956), the El Glaoui family became key allies of the French authorities. Thami El Glaoui, in particular, played a crucial role in supporting French interests in Morocco.

   • In 1912, Thami was appointed Pasha of Marrakech, a position that gave him significant political and military power. He used this position to suppress resistance to French rule and maintain control over southern Morocco.

2. Role in Moroccan Politics:

   • The El Glaoui family's alliance with the French made them one of the most powerful families in Morocco. They controlled vast territories, including the cities of Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Telouet.

   • Thami El Glaoui was known for his lavish lifestyle and political intrigues. He hosted extravagant parties at his palaces and kasbahs, attracting European dignitaries and celebrities.

3. Opposition to Moroccan Independence:

   • The El Glaoui family opposed the Moroccan independence movement led by Sultan Mohammed V and the Istiqlal Party (Independence Party).

   • In 1953, Thami El Glaoui supported the French decision to exile Sultan Mohammed V to Madagascar, a move that was deeply unpopular among the Moroccan people.

Cultural and Architectural Contributions

1. Kasbahs and Palaces:

   • The El Glaoui family built and restored numerous kasbahs and palaces throughout southern Morocco, including the Kasbah of Telouet, the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate, and the Bahia Palace in Marrakech.

   • These structures are renowned for their stunning architecture, featuring intricate zellij (mosaic tilework), carved stucco, and painted wood ceilings.

2. Patronage of the Arts:

   • The El Glaoui family were patrons of the arts, supporting traditional Berber crafts, music, and poetry.

   • They also hosted cultural events and festivals, showcasing the rich heritage of southern Morocco.

Decline and Legacy

1. End of French Rule:

   • After Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the influence of the El Glaoui family declined rapidly. Sultan Mohammed V returned from exile and stripped the family of their political power.

   • Thami El Glaoui died in 1956, and his family's properties were nationalized by the Moroccan government.

2. Historical Controversy:

   • The El Glaoui family's collaboration with the French colonial authorities remains a controversial aspect of their legacy. While they were instrumental in maintaining French control over Morocco, they are also remembered for their contributions to Moroccan culture and architecture.

3. Cultural Heritage:

   • The kasbahs and palaces built by the El Glaoui family are now important cultural and historical landmarks, attracting tourists from around the world.

   • The family's legacy is also preserved in the oral histories and traditions of the Berber people in the Atlas Mountains.

Key Figures

1. Madani El Glaoui (d. 1918):

   • The elder brother of Thami El Glaoui, Madani served as the Grand Vizier to Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz and played a key role in the family's rise to power.

2. Thami El Glaoui (1879–1956):

   • Known as the "Lord of the Atlas," Thami was the most famous member of the El Glaoui family. He served as the Pasha of Marrakech and was a key ally of the French colonial authorities.

3. Hassan El Glaoui (1924–2018):

   • The son of Thami El Glaoui, Hassan was a renowned Moroccan painter. After the family's political decline, he pursued a successful career in the arts, gaining international recognition for his work.

Conclusion

The El Glaoui family is a fascinating and complex chapter in Moroccan history. Their rise to power, political intrigues, and cultural contributions reflect the dynamic and often turbulent history of Morocco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While their collaboration with the French colonial authorities remains controversial, their legacy endures in the stunning kasbahs and palaces they built, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the Berber people. Today, the El Glaoui family's story serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between power, culture, and history in Morocco.