# Mohammed V of Morocco > King of Morocco (1909-1961) **Wikidata**: [Q193874](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193874) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_V_of_Morocco) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mohammed-v-of-morocco ## Summary Mohammed V of Morocco was born on August 10, 1909, in Fez[1][2][3][4][5] and died on February 26, 1961, in Rabat[1][2][3][5]. He was a follower of Islam. His children included Hassan II, Lalla Fatima Zohra, Princess Lalla Aicha of Morocco, Prince Moulay Abdallah of Morocco, Lalla Amina of Morocco, Princess Lalla Malika of Morocco, and one additional child.He received several awards throughout his life, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, Companion of the Liberation, Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit, and the Order of Merit. Furthermore, he was decorated with the Grand Collar of the Order of the Nile and the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali, along with two other awards. ## Summary Mohammed V of Morocco (born August 10, 1909 – died February 26, 1961) was the King of Morocco and a central political figure in the country's path to independence from French and Spanish protectorates. He served as the nation's monarch during a transformative period, becoming a symbol of Moroccan sovereignty and national identity. His legacy is commemorated extensively across Morocco and beyond, with numerous universities, stadiums, mosques, theatres, and even a city named in his honor. ## Biography - **Born:** August 10, 1909 - **Died:** February 26, 1961 - **Nationality:** Moroccan - **Also known as:** Mohamed V Abdelhamad-Shorta Sidi Ben Jousef of Morocco; محمد الخامس - **Occupation:** Politician; King of Morocco - **Citizenship:** Morocco - **Honorary degrees:** Honorary Doctor of Lebanese University (Lebanon); Honorary Doctor of the University of Bordeaux (France) - **Field(s):** Governance, statecraft, national leadership - **Employer(s):** Not applicable — served as head of state ## Contributions Mohammed V led Morocco as its monarch during the critical period of decolonization. Under his reign, Morocco regained its independence from France on March 2, 1956, and from Spain on April 7, 1956, ending decades of protectorate rule. His leadership was instrumental in the establishment of Morocco as a sovereign state and a member of the United Nations (joined November 12, 1956). He was the reigning figure during the formative years of the modern Moroccan state, presiding over the consolidation of the constitutional monarchy and the 'Alawi dynasty's continued rule, which dates back to 1631. Multiple enduring institutions and landmarks bear his name, reflecting the scope of his influence on Moroccan public life: - **Mohammed V University** in Rabat, founded in 1957, is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Morocco, with campuses at Agdal and Souissi, affiliated with the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). - **Mohammed V Stadium** in Casablanca, inaugurated March 6, 1955, a major association football stadium. - **National Theatre Mohammed V** in Rabat, established in 1962, a prominent cultural venue. - **Mohammed V Mosque** in Tangier, constructed in 1983. - **Salle Mohammed V**, a sports venue in Morocco. - **Avenue Mohammed V**, a street in Tunis, Tunisia. - **Mohammedia**, a city in Morocco (formerly known as Fedala/Fédala), officially named المحمدية (al-Muḥammadiyya), renamed in his honor. The city serves as the capital of Mohammedia Prefecture and had a population of 194,358 as of the 2024 census. - **Mausoleum of Mohammed V**, a Moroccan cultural heritage site, serves as his final resting place and features a notable interior with a Koran reader. ## FAQs **When was Mohammed V of Morocco born and when did he die?** Mohammed V was born on August 10, 1909, and died on February 26, 1961. **What was Mohammed V's role in Moroccan independence?** Mohammed V was the reigning monarch when Morocco regained its independence from France on March 2, 1956, and from Spain on April 7, 1956, ending the dual protectorate system that had been in place during the 20th century. **What awards and honors did Mohammed V receive?** He received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France), the Order of Merit (Lebanon), the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali (Jordan), the Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud (Saudi Arabia), the Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows (Spain under General Franco), an honorary doctorate from Lebanese University, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Bordeaux. **What places and institutions are named after Mohammed V?** Numerous landmarks bear his name, including Mohammed V University in Rabat, Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, the National Theatre Mohammed V in Rabat, Mohammed V Mosque in Tangier, Salle Mohammed V sports venue, Avenue Mohammed V in Tunis, the city of Mohammedia (formerly Fedala), and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. **What is Mohammed V University known for?** Founded in 1957 in Rabat, it is one of Morocco's largest and most prestigious universities, with campuses at Agdal and Souissi. It is affiliated with the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie and is classified as an open-access publisher. Its official Arabic name is جَامِعَة مُحَمَّد الْخَامِس. **What is Mohammedia and why is it significant?** Mohammedia (المحمدية) is a city in Morocco renamed after Mohammed V. Located at coordinates 33.683333°N, 7.383333°W at 17 meters elevation, it is the capital of Mohammedia Prefecture. As of the 2024 census, it had a population of 194,358 across 54,738 households. It is twinned with Ghent, Belgium. **What was Mohammed V's full name?** He is also known by the full name Mohamed V Abdelhamad-Shorta Sidi Ben Jousef of Morocco, and in Arabic as محمد الخامس. ## Why They Matter Mohammed V stands as the foundational figure of modern Morocco. His reign directly precipitated the end of the French and Spanish protectorates, transforming Morocco from a colonized territory into a sovereign nation-state. Without his leadership, Morocco's transition to independence — achieved peacefully and diplomatically in 1956 — could have followed a far more volatile trajectory. He became the embodiment of Moroccan national identity, and the national motto "God, Homeland, King" (الله، الوطن، الملك) reflects the monarchical centrality he represented. His influence is physically inscribed into the geography and institutions of Morocco and the wider region. A major city (Mohammedia), the country's premier university, its national stadium, a national theatre, a prominent mosque, a mausoleum, and even a street in the capital of neighboring Tunisia all carry his name. The 'Alawi dynasty he represented continues to rule Morocco to this day under King Mohammed VI, who ascended the throne on July 23, 1999. Mohammed V's diplomatic recognition — evidenced by honors from France, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Spain — underscores his stature as an international statesman during the era of decolonization. ## Notable For - King of Morocco from the period of the protectorates through independence (1909–1961). - Presided over Moroccan independence from France (March 2, 1956) and Spain (April 7, 1956). - Morocco joined the United Nations on November 12, 1956, during his reign. - Recipient of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the fifth rank of the French Legion of Honour. - Recipient of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali, the highest order of the Kingdom of Jordan. - Recipient of the Order of Merit of Lebanon, the Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows of Spain, and the Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia. - Honorary Doctor of Lebanese University and the University of Bordeaux. - Mohammed V University in Rabat, founded 1957, named in his honor — one of Morocco's most prestigious institutions. - Mohammedia, a city of 194,358 residents (2024), renamed in his honor. - Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, inaugurated March 6, 1955. - National Theatre Mohammed V in Rabat, established 1962. - Mohammed V Mosque in Tangier, built 1983. - Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a Moroccan cultural heritage site. - Avenue Mohammed V in Tunis, Tunisia, named in his honor. - Member of the 'Alawi dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since 1631. ## Body ### Early Life and Identity Mohammed V was born on August 10, 1909. His Arabic name is محمد الخامس (Muhammad al-Khamis), and he is also recorded under the full name Mohamed V Abdelhamad-Shorta Sidi Ben Jousef of Morocco. He was a member of the 'Alawi dynasty, the ruling royal house of Morocco since 1631, with origins traceable to the broader dynastic history of the Moroccan state reaching back to the Idrisid dynasty in 789 AD. ### Reign and Moroccan Independence Mohammed V served as King (Sultan) of Morocco during the era of French and Spanish protectorates. His reign became synonymous with the Moroccan independence movement. Under his leadership, Morocco negotiated and achieved independence from France on March 2, 1956, and from Spain on April 7, 1956. Morocco subsequently joined the United Nations on November 12, 1956. His reign lasted until his death on February 26, 1961. ### International Recognition and Awards Mohammed V received numerous international honors reflecting his diplomatic stature: - **Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour** (France) — the fifth rank of the French Legion of Honour. - **Order of Merit** (Lebanon) — a Lebanese order established January 16, 1922. - **Order of al-Hussein bin Ali** (Jordan) — the highest order of the Kingdom of Jordan, established June 22, 1949. - **Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud** (Saudi Arabia) — established March 20, 1971. - **Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows** (Spain) — a title of honor of Spain under General Franco, established in 1937. - **Honorary Doctor of Lebanese University** (Lebanon). - **Honorary Doctor of the University of Bordeaux** (France). ### Legacy: Institutions Named in His Honor #### Mohammed V University Founded in 1957 in Rabat, Mohammed V University (official Arabic name: جَامِعَة مُحَمَّد الْخَامِس) is one of Morocco's oldest and most prominent institutions of higher learning. Located at coordinates 33.99833°N, 6.84382°W, it operates two main campuses: Mohammed V University at Agdal and Mohammed V University at Souissi. The university is a member of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and is classified as an open-access publisher. Its website is http://www.um5.ac.ma, and it maintains active social media profiles including Facebook (UM5Rabat), Instagram (um5rabat), and a YouTube channel. #### Mohammed V Stadium Located in Casablanca, this association football stadium was inaugurated on March 6, 1955. It remains one of the most prominent sports venues in Morocco. #### National Theatre Mohammed V Established in 1962 in Rabat, this theatre serves as a key cultural institution in Morocco's capital. #### Mohammed V Mosque Located in Tangier, Morocco, this mosque was constructed in 1983. #### Salle Mohammed V A sports venue in Morocco named in his honor. #### Mausoleum of Mohammed V A Moroccan cultural heritage site that serves as his final resting place. The interior of the mausoleum is noted for its design, including a Koran reader. #### Avenue Mohammed V A street in Tunis, Tunisia, named in his honor, reflecting his regional significance beyond Morocco's borders. ### Legacy: The City of Mohammedia The city of Mohammedia (المحمدية, al-Muḥammadiyya) was named after Mohammed V. Originally known as Fedala (also Fédala), it is located at coordinates 33.683333°N, 7.383333°W at an elevation of 17 meters above sea level. It serves as the capital of Mohammedia Prefecture and is classified as an urban commune and big city. **Demographic history:** - 1994: Population 170,063, with 31,699 households. - 2004: Population 188,619, with 39,154 households. - 2014: Population 208,612, with 49,974 households. - 2024: Population 194,358, with 54,738 households (preferred value). The city carries multiple aliases in various languages, including Mohammadia, Fedala, Alia 1 et 2, and transliterations in Japanese (モアメディア, フェダラ), Russian (Федала, Мухаммедия), and others. It is twinned with Ghent, Belgium, and has a geographic code of 06.371.01.01 (2015 classification). Its Wikipedia page exists in approximately 24 languages, demonstrating wide international recognition. ### Dynastic and Historical Context Mohammed V belonged to the 'Alawi dynasty, which has governed Morocco since 1631. The Moroccan state traces its foundational origins to the Idrisid dynasty, established in 789 AD, with subsequent significant periods under the Saadi dynasty (from 1549). The constitutional monarchy structure that Mohammed V helped solidify continues today under King Mohammed VI, who ascended the throne on July 23, 1999. The dynasty's longevity makes it one of the longest continuous ruling houses in the world. ### Bibliographic and Authority Records Mohammed V is extensively catalogued in major authority files and bibliographic databases. His records appear in VIAF (ID 23495616), ISNI (0000000098665123), the German National Library (GND ID 119548550), the Library of Congress (n82151096), the French national library (BnF ID 12224729t, SUDOC 027476308), the Encyclopædia Britannica (biography/Muhammad-V-sultan-of-Morocco), Treccani (maometto-v-sultano-poi-re-del-marocco), and numerous other identifier systems across global knowledge bases. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Dictionary of African Biography 3. [Source](https://1886.u-bordeaux-montaigne.fr/s/1886/item/297005) 4. BnF authorities 5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 6. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 7. Croatian Encyclopedia 8. Munzinger Personen 9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 10. Virtual International Authority File