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When the Moroccan ambassador to the United Kingdom meets his predecessor… from the 17th century

The Barber Institute of Fine Artsunder the University of Birmingham, welcomed the Moroccan ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hakim Hajoui. During this visit, the Moroccan diplomat had the opportunity to contemplate a masterpiece known for its historical and cultural value: the portrait of the Moroccan ambassador Abdelouahed ben Messaoud ben Mohammed Anoun. “This portrait is a powerful symbol of the deep historical ties between Morocco and the United Kingdom, which date back more than eight centuries,” said Ambassador Hakim Hajoui, quoted in a University of Birmingham press release.

Indeed, due to its rarity and its significance in the context of cultural and artistic exchangesthis painting, dating from 1600, embodies the beginnings of diplomatic relations between Morocco and England under Queen Elizabeth I, thus testifying to a long history of friendship between the two Kingdoms. “Seeing the portrait at the Barber Institute at the University of Birmingham highlights the vital role that academic and cultural institutions play in preserving and celebrating our shared history,” added the Moroccan diplomat.

Source of inspiration for William Shakespeareone of the great writers of English literature, theMoroccan Ambassador Abdelouahed ben Messaoud ben Mohammed Anounwhose mission was to deepen diplomatic and commercial ties between Great Britain and Morocco, had a profound impact on the British cultural scene of the time, notably in the famous play Othello.

“Abdelouahed Anoun’s mission to the court of Queen Elizabeth I represented a major event in the history of diplomatic and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Islamic world,” explained Clare Mullett, head of research and cultural collections at the University of Birmingham, adding that it is “one of the most striking memorabilia in British history at the turn of the 17th century”. Part of the University of Birmingham’s cultural and research collections, the painting has been on loan to the Barber, the university’s art museum and collection, since June. It will remain there as part of its exhibition until January 27.


Morocco

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