Mohammed ben Abdallah

Mohammed ben Abdallah, born in 1710, rose to prominence as the Sultan of Morocco from 1757 to 1790, representing the illustrious 'Alawi dynasty'. His political journey began as the governor of Marrakesh around 1750, and he briefly held the sultanate in 1748. His reign is marked by significant contributions to the reconstruction of cities devastated by the earthquake of 1755, including Mogador, Casablanca, and Rabat.

Historians, including Abdallah Laroui, have hailed him as 'the architect of modern Morocco'. His military prowess was evident when he successfully defeated the French during the Larache expedition in 1765 and expelled the Portuguese from Mazagan (al-Jadīda) in 1769. These victories solidified his reputation as a formidable leader.

Notably, Mohammed ben Abdallah was the first leader to recognize American independence, establishing a crucial alliance with Luis de Unzaga, known as 'le Conciliateur'. His innovative approach to governance included the establishment of a secret intelligence service, led by Unzaga's brothers-in-law, Antonio and Matías de Gálvez. This strategic move showcased his forward-thinking leadership style.

As the son of Mawlay Abdallah bin Ismail and a member of the Chéraga Guich tribe, Mohammed ben Abdallah's legacy continues to influence Moroccan history and politics.