Black Morocco: A History of Slavery, Race, and Islam (African Studies, Series Number 123)

Very interesting and well written book about a subject not much discussed in modern Morocco. The author addresses the evolution of slavery in the context of Islam and how pre-exiting notions allowed the race-based slavery to take root in the Dar al-Islam. In examining Morocco's history of slavery and race relations since the early modern age, El Hamel exposes the myth of the benevolent, multi-cultural society upon which Moroccans are so fond of expounding. While Moroccan history reveals nothing of the evils on the scale of the United States, Brazil, or Leopold's Congo, the country also has its dark secrets. While it did not engage in a system of chattel slavery, the Sharifan Kingdom was no more benevolent toward black Africans than it was a shelter for the Jews ejected from Spain. Blacks, he maintains, were marginalized from Arab-Berber society from the start, and remain so to this day.

An important work that exposes how Arab and Berber Muslims enslaved black African Muslims. It demonstrates that there is no Qur'anic foundation for slavery and concubinage. It also illustrates Islamic abolitionist efforts.

Informative book on racial history of Morocco. Gives insight to the Black African experience in Morocco. If you are studying or learning of Morocco this is a must read.

Chouki El Hamel helps us make sense of the way racism plays out in Morocco. He points out some of the similarities and differences between their slavery and American slavery. This book is good for Moroccans to read and look at themselves critically. It is also good for outsiders to get a better understanding of the patrilineal society of Morocco.

I am very impressed with this work. I find that the topic is long overdue. It is like the five hundred pound elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about. It is quite remarkable to me how the author was able to go into so much detail which is supported by evidence and extensive footnotes about a subject that is barely known in the west. Mr. El Hamel seems to be very comfortable and knowledgeable about the attitudes and ideas of both east and west, and the book is a very easy read. I had quite a few ideas of my own about the Arab and Islamic societies views on race and gender over the years, and he confirmed some of them, and disavowed others. I like his writing style, and his arguments are very well constructed. I think he probably has ruffled a few feathers by going deeply into a subject that many people don't want to discuss. But my attitude is how can we understand the present world politics, if we don't know what really happened in the past.

This is that rarest of histories, a well-told, well-organized book underpinned by excellent research put together in a way that makes it as easy to read and compelling as a novel. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the country, the region, or black history in general.

Very interesting and well written

A really well structured book and interesting book.