The Moroccan Register of “Slaves” in the Early 18th Century: Enslavement, Blackness and Racial Binary

Organised by NIMAR in association with LUCIS

Join us for an insightful lecture by Chouki El Hamel, renowned historian and director of the Center for African Mediterranean Studies (CAMS) at Arizona State University. El Hamel will explore the transformation of the term Haratin (black Moroccans) into a synonym for "ex-slaves" during Sultan Mawlay Isma‘il's reign (1672–1727). His project to build a royal army by enslaving all black people in Morocco, whether free or not, cemented an enduring association between blackness, African descent, and slavery.

El Hamel will challenge conventional Moroccan historiography by revealing untold stories of maroonage—acts of resistance by enslaved people—and will examine how limited archival sources can be reinterpreted to uncover these hidden narratives. His work sheds light on the ways in which black Moroccans resisted enslavement and sought refuge among different communities.

El Hamel’s research focuses on issues of slavery, race, and historical justice, particularly within Islamic institutions. He is the author of Black Morocco: A History of Slavery, Race, and Islam (Cambridge University Press, 2013) and is currently working on a new book, The Hidden Story of Maroons in Morocco.

The lecture can also be followed online.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about a forgotten chapter of Moroccan history and the legacy of resistance among black communities.

For more information and registration: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/2024/04/the-moroccan-register-of-slaves-in-the-early-18th-century-enslavement-blackness-and-racial-binary