Historical ties between morocco and great britain celebrated in birmingham
The university of birmingham is celebrating the rich history of relations between morocco and Great Britain through a special portrait exhibition at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
At the heart of the exhibition is a remarkable portrait of abdelwahad ibn messaoud ibn Mohammed Anoun, an ambassador sent by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur to the court of Queen Elizabeth I in 1600. This diplomatic mission laid the groundwork for an alliance between Morocco and England, marking a significant moment in British foreign policy.
The portrait, which is the oldest known British painting of a Muslim figure, holds particular historical importance. Tony Moran of the university of birmingham explained to MAP that this period saw a shift in British foreign policy, which had previously been focused on its European neighbours. The relationship with Morocco represented a new chapter in diplomatic and commercial ties, demonstrating England’s growing engagement with the wider world.
Ambassador Anoun’s mission had a profound influence on british culture, with scholars suggesting that it even inspired William Shakespeare. The character of Othello, from Shakespeare’s renowned play of the same name, is thought to have been influenced by this illustrious diplomat.
“This portrait is a powerful symbol of the deep historical ties between Morocco and the UK, which go back more than eight centuries,” said Hakim Hajoui, Morocco’s ambassador to the UK, in a statement. “Seeing the portrait at the University of Birmingham’s Barber Institute underlines the vital role that academic and cultural institutions play in preserving and celebrating our shared history.”
Clare Mullett, Head of research and cultural collections at the university of birmingham, emphasised the significance of the ambassador’s mission to Queen Elizabeth I’s court. “Abdelwahad Anoun’s mission was a major event in the history of diplomatic and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Islamic world,” she said. “This portrait is one of the most striking reminders of British history at the turn of the 17th century.”
The painting is part of the university’s cultural and research collections and has been displayed at the Barber Institute since June. It will remain on display until the galleries close for a building upgrade on 27th January.
This portrait has had an illustrious journey, having been loaned to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2022 for the travelling exhibition The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England. It was also showcased at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio and the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco in 2023.
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The ambassador’s portrait is not just a piece of art but a testament to the deep historical connections between Morocco and Great Britain. It serves as a reminder of the cultural and diplomatic exchanges that took place during the Tudor period, forging ties that have endured for centuries.
The exhibition underscores the vital role of academic and cultural institutions in preserving history. Through this portrait, the Barber Institute offers a unique lens into the shared legacy of two nations, celebrating their enduring relationship and the contributions of figures like Ambassador Anoun to British history and culture.
As the exhibition continues to draw visitors, it highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between different parts of the world. The Barber Institute’s display of this emblematic portrait is a fitting tribute to the enduring ties between Morocco and Great Britain, ensuring their shared history is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
