More than four centuries ago, a Moroccan ambassador left his mark on the minds of Londoners, to the point of inspiring Shakespeare’s Othello. To this day, the University of Birmingham proudly guards the portrait of Abdelwahad bin Messaoud bin Mohammed Anoun, who was the principal secretary to the great Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Eddahbi.
While visiting the University’s Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Morocco’s current ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hakim Hajoui, was able to admire the painting representing his illustrious ancestor, which is considered “the oldest known British painting representing a Muslim personality.
The legendary diplomat led an embassy in 1600 to deepen commercial and diplomatic ties between the two Kingdoms, with the intention of forging an alliance against Spain. His presence at the court of Queen Elizabeth I coincided, at this time, with England’s new orientation consisting of opening up to Nations outside the Old Continent.
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“This portrait is a powerful symbol of the deep historical ties that unite Morocco and the United Kingdom,” underlined Mr. Hajoui, quoted in a text posted online by the university. He praised “the vital role that academic and cultural institutions play in preserving and celebrating our shared history.”
The University of Birmingham loaned the portrait to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2022, as part of the touring exhibition The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England. The painting was also exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, and the Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco in 2023.
Clare Mullett, head of research and cultural collections at the University, said the painting is one of the most vivid memories of 17th-century British history. “We are delighted to display this iconic Tudor portrait at the Barber Museum, where it fits perfectly within this globally significant art collection,” she said.
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During his visit to the campus, Ambassador Hakim Hajoui also inquired about the links of the University, which is commemorating its 125th anniversary this year, with Morocco and the Middle East and Africa region. of the North (MENA).
“We are proud to provide world-class education, research and civic leadership to the MENA region through the University of Birmingham in Dubai,” said the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Tickell. .
