Casablanca- John Waterbury, one of the rare specialists who has meticulously analyzed the Moroccan socio-political system, has defined the Fassi (people from Fez) as an example of an urban elite which preserved its traditions, alliances and experiences even when it moved to another city (Casablanca).
Three Origins, three Strategies
Until the 18th century, a notable Fassi belonged to one of three groups that coexisted in the medina: Shorfas, Andalusians and Beldyins (converts).
Shorfas, descendants of conquerors and of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, enriched themselves without hindrance and even enjoyed a number of privileges.
The Andalusians, who left Spain during the Inquisition, migrated to to Morocco as late as 1666 by taking advantage of their nisba (family affiliation) . They owe their social rise to knowledge and trade. In al-Qarawiyin, many of them have become religious scholars . Families of letters like Bensouda and Belhaj have been continually recognized from 1600 to 1900. Other Andalusians like the Tazi, Bennis and Benjeloun families have made their fortunes through pilgrimage caravans.
The third group is the one which struggled the most to gain acceptance, known as 'Beldyin' or 'Islamyin' until 1750, consisting of Jews who converted to Islam in the 15th century. After being subjected to the discrimination and hostility of the Chorfas, they became great traders, international negotiators and scholars.
The Fez elite did not constitute a formal power, but rather a network created by the alliances between families that increased their financial resources and strengthened their relations.
Changing Borders
On the eve of the 20th century, the boundaries between these three groups vanished. From then on, the distinction is made only between two large categories. The first (the Morki, Benslimane, Bensouda, El-Fassi) are close to the state, after generations of employment in eminent and high-level administrative jobs. The second (Benjelloun, Tazi, Lazrak, Lahlou, Berrada, Sqalli) are mostly merchants.
The secret behind the success of the Fassis in preserving their position as theMoroccan elite till the mid 1980s is first an economic one, because their rapid ascent was favored by the authorities. According to Waterbury, many families increased their wealth in the food processing industry and transportation during the French Protectorate. The international networks the Fassi established along with their mobility have endowed them with an intrinsic strength. State favoritism of the Fassi elite was reinforced by three elements that were convenient for the Palace: an elitist school, a nationalist party (Al-Istiqlal Party, also called the Fassi Party by the popular movement), and a deep-rooted conservatism among Fassi families.
Since the mid 1980s, the Fassis have declined in prominence after the Makhzen decided to diversify its ruling elite. Today, banking and finance are the only sectors where the Fassi families are still predominant.
Some of the important families
The Sqalli: descendants of Al-Hossein, they ruled Sicily during the Muslim Shiite reign. Leaving Andalusia, many went to live in Ceuta and others in Fez. Many of their lineage were Faqihs. They were the favorites of the Almohads.
Kadiri: descendants of Al- Hassan. Once Baghdad was invaded by the Tartars in 1285, Abdlqader Ljilani emigrated to al Madina and then to Granada. Two centuries later, Abou Abdellah Mohamed, one of his descendants, went to Fez.
Tahiri: descendants of Al-Hossein. When they arrived to Andalusia, they had the reputation of possessing the sandals of the Prophet. They got their aura from their closely guarded mystery.
Alaoui: belonging to a more important branch of Mohamediyyin, they are descendants of Al-Hassan. Contrarily to other important families, they lived in Fez Jdid, next to the royal court
Amrani Joutey: descendants of the Wali called Ahmad Shabih, they are known by the surname of Shabihiyyin. Since 1730, they have been the major naqibs of the sanctuary of Moulay Idriss. Iraqi: They came from Egypt in the 14th century, after fleeing the Tatar invasion in Baghdad.
The Andalusians (Arabs or Beldiying)
Benchekroun: Of Jewish origin(Chakroun), they converted to Islam following the incitement of the Almohads and were always a family of letters and Oulama
Benjelloun: Of Arab origin, they were recognized by the Makhzen after Talib Benjelloun (1842) who was previously Fez caravan master, became the close counselor of the Minster of Finance.
Bennis: Of Arab origin, they were both merchants and part of the Makhzen. In 1837, a certain El Madani, who had been the Minister of Finance, pushed tanners to strike after he tried to impose a tax on the tanning industry.
Al Fassi: Of Arab origin, they constituted a family of well-learned men of letters who even had a brotherhood. They worked for Sultan Moulay Ismail, who chose two brothers and one cousin for high-level administrative work.
El Kohen : the only family of Jewish origin that accepted the request of the Almohads to convert to Islam but were courageous enough to keep their name.
Guessouss: Of Arab origin, they are mostly men of letters. They were made famous by the story of Alem Abdesalam, who was executed by Moulay Ismail because he supported the people who refused the unionizing of slave army.
Sebti: Of Arab origin, they settled in Ceuta and Fez and did not create a fortune until during the Second World War, when they rapidly sold food products and materials they had put in reserve.
Originally published in French on TelQuel. Translated from French by Najah Elyahyaoui. Edited by Jessica Rohan