Rulers of Morocco: a short history of who's ruled and when

Morocco's ruling history is usually told through dynasties, not individual kings. The Idrisids, from the late 8th century, are generally credited as the first Arab-Islamic dynasty to unify the region and found Fez. The Almoravids and then the Almohads followed from the 11th to 13th centuries, both Berber dynasties originating in the south, both responsible for major building in Marrakech.

The Marinids, from the 13th to 15th centuries, ruled from Fez and left much of its madrasa architecture. The Saadians, in the 16th century, are remembered largely through Marrakech, including the Saadian Tombs that survived being sealed off by the dynasty that followed.

The Alaouite dynasty has ruled since the mid-17th century and is Morocco's current royal family. Its best-known early ruler, Moulay Ismail, built Meknes into an imperial capital on a massive scale over a roughly 55-year reign. The Alaouites have held the throne continuously since, through the French and Spanish protectorate period and into full independence in 1956.

The monarchy carries religious weight as well as political weight. The king holds the title Amir al-Mu'minin, Commander of the Faithful, tied to Morocco's status as a monarchy with a claimed lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad. Beyond that general context, current politics is outside what a travel blog should try to cover; for anything more current, an independent news source will serve you better than a tour operator's summary.