The Evolution of Moroccan Historiography through Khalid Ben-Srhir’s Work
Contemporary Moroccan historiography has faced a persistent challenge in reconstructing a national historical narrative predominantly from sources created by colonial entities. For many years, access to Moroccan national archives was limited, fragmented, and often burdened by institutional constraints, whereas European archival collections—particularly from British, French, Spanish, and Portuguese origins—provided extensive documentation regarding Morocco’s external relations. Within this complex epistemological landscape, the scholarly endeavors of Khalid Ben-Srhir emerge as a significant contribution to the field.
Khalid Ben-Srhir, born in Meknes in 1956, is part of a generation of Moroccan historians that emerged after the country’s independence. This cohort sought to reclaim the narrative of Moroccan history by replacing colonial viewpoints with indigenous understandings of historical dynamics, a shift initiated by intellectuals such as Abdallah Laroui in the 1970s. Ben-Srhir’s academic journey led him to delve into the archives of the Public Record Office (now The National Archives) in London, utilizing these sources to reconstruct the Makhzen’s foreign policy, examine trade relations with Great Britain, and analyze the power dynamics between European nations within Moroccan territory.
Ben-Srhir’s methodological approach is innovative on two fronts: he employs colonial archives to expose Moroccan strategies of resistance and adaptation, countering the traditional narrative of European civilizing missions. Concurrently, he advocates for an archival bilateralism, cross-referencing European documents with Makhzen records to establish a more balanced historical account. This duality not only enriches his work but also broadens its historiographical relevance beyond regional confines.
Contextualizing Ben-Srhir’s Contributions in Postcolonial Moroccan Historiography
To appreciate Ben-Srhir’s unique contributions, it is essential to place him within the larger framework of postcolonial Moroccan historiography. Following independence in 1956, Moroccan historical production began to focus on identity reconstruction, largely influenced by earlier scholars who aimed to dismantle colonial narratives and highlight indigenous societal dynamics. Unlike his predecessors, who grappled with overarching philosophical questions, Ben-Srhir’s generation concentrated on the meticulous documentation of historical events and diplomatic transactions of the 19th century. This shift towards empirical research is emblematic of the evolution of historical sciences in Morocco throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Ben-Srhir’s choice to emphasize British archives is particularly significant. During the 19th century, Great Britain was a dominant maritime power with enduring relations with Morocco, which are well-documented in the archives. His exploration into these archives unveiled a wealth of material, including diplomatic reports, business correspondence, and personal accounts that permitted a nuanced understanding of the historical context. By leveraging his expertise in both the English language and the intricacies of Moroccan institutions, Ben-Srhir uniquely interpreted British records through a Moroccan lens, thus transcending conventional historiographical boundaries.
Despite acknowledging the limitations inherent in British archival perspectives, which often reflect the biases of their authors, Ben-Srhir devised a strategy of cross-referencing these sources with available Makhzen documents and other European archives. This multifaceted approach not only mitigated biases but also allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of Moroccan-European relations. His epistemological framework rests on the premise that both Morocco and Europe possess their own rationalities and interests, a perspective that promotes a relational and dialectical reading of history.
Published in 2005, Ben-Srhir’s pivotal work, *Britain and Morocco During the Embassy of John Drummond Hay, 1845–1886*, showcases his dual objective of providing both a diplomatic biography of Drummond Hay and a thorough examination of the political and commercial relations between Morocco and Britain. Through this lens, he highlights the interplay between personal convictions and broader geopolitical strategies, revealing the complexities of British policy in Morocco during a crucial historical period. His analytical framework merges diplomatic, commercial, and reformist dimensions, depicting the Makhzen not merely as a passive entity but as a rational actor negotiating its sovereignty amidst European pressures.
This work not only sheds light on the often-overlooked years leading to the establishment of the Protectorate but also enriches our understanding of the nature of British influence in the region. By reframing the narrative surrounding Moroccan reforms and British diplomacy, Ben-Srhir contributes significantly to the discourse on colonial and postcolonial historiography, providing insights that resonate within contemporary academic circles.
As reported by eurasiareview.com.
