Hasan II King of Morocco since 1961 from the Alaouite (Alawite) dynasty. Date of Birth: 09.07.1929 Country: Morocco

Biography of King Hassan II

King Hassan II was the ruler of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. He was born on July 9, 1929, in Rabat, Morocco. He belonged to the Alawite dynasty, which traces its lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad's cousin, Ali, and his daughter, Fatima Zahra. The Alawite dynasty arrived in Morocco from Arabia in the late 13th century.

Hassan II was the twenty-first monarch of the dynasty, which had been successfully ruling since the mid-17th century. He was named after his great-grandfather, Sultan Hassan I. As a child, he attended the Palace School, where he received a comprehensive education in general studies and religion. After graduating in 1941, he continued his education at the Imperial College under the guidance of the country's best teachers. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and then enrolled at the University of Bordeaux in France.

From the beginning of his studies, Hassan II was involved in important decision-making processes, as his father, King Mohammed V, prepared him for future reign. In 1957, he was officially declared the Crown Prince of Morocco. King Mohammed V entrusted him with the responsibility of the country, saying, "I entrust Morocco to your care. It is your own country, your homeland, the common heritage of our great ancestors and future generations. Preserve it for everyone. I count on your sense of honor, awareness of high responsibility, and loyalty to family traditions. Love your subjects. Protect, as the most precious, the freedom, independence, and unity of our homeland."

On March 3, 1961, Hassan II ascended the throne and became the religious leader of the Muslims in Morocco. He held the positions of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chief of the General Staff. According to the Moroccan constitution, which he established in 1970, the King held full power, both secular and spiritual. He had the authority to appoint prime ministers and form governments. Unlike many neighboring republics, the Kingdom of Morocco had a small but well-organized government apparatus, and all of Hassan II's commands were executed without delay.

Among his many notable achievements, King Hassan II implemented a wise economic policy. He focused on stimulating private entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector, which involved more than 50% of the population. He retained control over the mining industry and energy production. The royal government fully regulated foreign trade. The most developed sectors of industrial production were textiles, leather, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The country experienced significant economic growth, firmly rooted in its historical traditions.

During his reign, Morocco played a crucial role in international politics, particularly in the Islamic world. Since 1979, Hassan II served as the Chairman of the Al Qods Committee, which united the heads of state of the Arab world. He was widely respected globally for his noble qualities. King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, dedicated the following words to him: "I can say that my brother, His Majesty King Hassan II, is one of the few contemporary rulers who has done many great and useful things for his country. He has always strived patiently and persistently to fulfill the aspirations of his people."

Upon Hassan II's death, his son, Mohammed VI, succeeded him as the King of Morocco. In his inaugural speech, Mohammed VI emphasized his commitment to preserving the country's historical traditions. The funeral of King Hassan II took place in Rabat, where millions of people gathered to bid farewell to their beloved monarch. He was buried in the Royal Mausoleum alongside his father, King Mohammed V. A 40-day mourning period was declared throughout the country.