The role of Andalusian heritage in the legitimation of the Alaouite dynasty in Morocco: a comparative analysis between Hassan II and Mohammed VI

Abstract

This work explores how the Alaouite monarchy in Morocco has used Andalusian heritage (both tangible and intangible) to legitimise their rule. While previous scholars have mainly focused on the traditional sources of legitimation, this work focuses on cultural heritage as a new approach within these sources to analyse legitimacy in the Moroccan monarchy. This comparative analysis between Hassan II (1961-1999) and Mohammed VI (1999-present) will help us understand why a Moroccan ruler decides to foster tangible, intangible heritage, or both, depending on the socio-political situation present in their reign. Hassan II focused on large national monuments, such as the Hassan II National Mosque or the Mohammed V Mausoleum, in order to assert his religious and political legitimacy through its link with a glorious Islamic and Andalusian past, while Mohammed VI rather relied on smaller-scale projects, such as several Jewish-Andalusian museums across the country, with a higher interest in promoting Andalusian music in line with his narrative of tolerance, convivencia and modernisation. By integrating theories of legitimation with the case of Andalusian heritage in Morocco, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the political use of heritage in modern Morocco.