Marrakech - A French Mission's Journey to the Sultan's Court

Adolphe Marquet

In the nineteenth century, while most Arab countries—as we know them now—were still under Ottoman rule, there was one nation that had remained independent since its secession from the Umayyad state in 788 AD, composed of vast provinces ruled by a sultan, and towards which the eyes and ambitions of Europe were directed: Morocco.

In this book—a documented account—the French physician and orientalist Adolphe Marquet describes the journey he was able to undertake in 1882, when Monsieur Ortega—who had been appointed French ambassador to Tangier—allowed him to accompany him as part of the diplomatic mission to present his credentials to "His Cherifian Majesty," the Sultan of the country.

In the mesmerized language of the orientalist, whose nuances translator Mostafa El-Wariaghli skillfully conveyed into Arabic, and with the curious eyes of a foreigner, and at times the condescending approach of a colonizer, Marquet recounts the details of the journey, describing Moroccan cities, and observing traditions, social dynamics, and political protocols with keen and astute precision. While not devoid of judgments, it nevertheless constitutes one of the most important references for academics and history enthusiasts, and a great draw for readers who enjoy travel literature due to its simplicity, lightness, and fluidity.

Adolphe Marquet - A French physician who participated in the mission accompanying the French ambassador to present his credentials in 1882 to the Sultan of Morocco.