Morocco's Jewish Legacy: The Mellahs and Sultans

This episode explores the intertwined history of Morocco's Jewish communities and their sultans, from the Almohad persecutions to the golden age under the Alaouites. We trace the origins of the mellahs — the walled Jewish quarters — starting with Fez in 1438, and discuss how sultans like Moulay Mohammed ben Abdallah protected Jews while using their skills in trade and diplomacy. We examine the role of Jewish merchants in Essaouira, the decline of communities under French influence, and the 20th-century emigration. Featuring key figures like the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the Alaouite Moulay Ismail, and the diplomat Samuel Pallache, this episode sheds light on a rich but often overlooked strand of Moroccan identity. #Morocco #JewishHistory #Mellah #Alaouite #Essaouira #Fez #Marrakech #Sultan #MoulayMohammed #Saadian #AhmadAlMansur #SamuelPallache #Dhimmi #Makhzen #NorthAfrica #Diaspora #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo