The history of museums in morocco: The French and Spanish protectorate ERA (1912-1956)

This paper examines the development of museums in Morocco during the French and Spanish protectorate era (1912-1956), focusing on how colonial authorities established it to document and exhibit Morocco's diverse cultural heritage, including Islamic, Berber, and Jewish traditions. Major institutions like the Batha Museum in Fez and the Oudayas Museum in Rabat emerged during this period, significantly influencing the preservation and promotion of indigenous arts and crafts. The study investigates the economic and political functions of these museums, emphasizing their influence on regional artisans and the standardization of production for European markets. It also examines the more extensive consequences of colonial cultural policies on Morocco's national identity and heritage.