El Raisuni: Sultan Of The Mountains

When I bought this book, published in 1924, it was on the strength of the author's name - Rosita Forbes. I had no real knowledge of its subject, and I didn't pay much for it. I was surprised to find only a few copies available on Abebooks, and these for around 120 pounds UK. There are print on demand versions for much less.

Mulai Ahmed el Raisuni was a sharif and a leader of the Jebala people of north-west Morocco, and in this book he tells his life story to Rosita Forbes. Forbes herself is an interesting and complicated character, an explorer and writer who achieved much in her life, including travelling to many places not previously visited by Europeans - especially by a woman. This is one of her earlier books.

When the Spanish and French agreed terms under which they would occupy Morocco (taking a part each), the Spanish took Tangier, and the lands along the northern coast, including the mountainous region occupied by the Jebela people. Over the period of his life, Raisuni was a leader of people, and he periodically treated with the Spanish, and then (in his words) defended himself against them. The Spanish suffered from inconsistency of their government, and regularly replaced those in charge of the Spanish protectorate of Morocco - which left them at odds with Raisuni, as they made deals and then changed their position. As much as anything, the fighting was Christian against Muslim, however there were plenty of tribes who either opposed Raisuni or were prepared to be bought to oppose him.

Of course, this book portrays Raisuni's side of each story, and while Forbes asks questions, and speaks with others of his entourage, the verifications are minor (but regular - in the form of footnotes, which validate dates on which certain things occur (corroborated by Spanish military records I gather) or to correct assumptions by Raisuni on Spanish troop numbers for example). Raisuni has a strong belief, as many Muslims do, that all is pre-ordained by Allah. He is therefore not fearful of battle, or being wounded, simply placing himself in the hands of Allah. For example there are occasions while in mid-battle he stops fighting and prays. He also believed himself protected by his baraka (defined as Allah's protection), and according to his explanations regularly avoided being shot while those on the left and right of him were often hit - this led to his confidence in battle, and his followers similarly believed him protected from bullets. Forbes writes in her introduction “Profoundly intelligent, with a knowledge of human nature, whether European or Arab, which is the result of unusual powers of observation, but which, to the Moor, appears supernatural, the Sherif's audacity is as much mental as physical. He believes in the luck which invariably turns the most adverse circumstances to his final advantage, and is not above staking his remarkable immunity from danger against the credulity of his followers, but below this is the conviction of divine right.” Clearly Raisuni is a man of charm, intelligence and mysticism.

The stories of his battles, his clever planning, his insight into the psychology of his fellow men, and the Spanish, and his apparent incredible ability to remember details and people, are set out in a very readable and well presented book. It is unclear whether Rosita Forbes is responsible for the photography, but there are many b&w photographs of pertinent places in particular,but also of people, spread through out the book. While obviously limited by the technology of the time, these are a tremendous asset to the book.

There were a number of amusing passages provided by Raisuni - examples:
[P139]
“In the middle of the year,” continued Raisuni, “I believed Silvestre and I were friends, but two bulls cannot rule the same herd. The Colonel came to see me, and said his Government feared that he was too much under my influence and was not busying himself with the occupation of the country.
[P154] After Silvestre orders the release of prisoners held by Raisuni, who will not pay the tributes required of them.
Silvestre got up in anger and ordered all the prisoners to be released, but, before he could leave, I took him to a window and showed him a man sitting in the court. ‘Do you see that Faqih?' I asked. ‘He has been sitting there for three days, and he has not eaten nor moved, except his lips for prayer. Do you understand that man's mind? For he is content,' and he answered, ‘No.' Then I showed him a row of Sheikhs gathered in the shade of the wall. ‘These men have waited six days to see me, and they have not complained. They are content following the shade from wall to wall, and life is good for them. Do you understand their patience?' Once again he said ‘No.' Lastly, I pointed across the roofs to a barred window very high up, and I said, ‘Behind that grille are women who have never seen the day. They live in one room, where they sleep and eat and bear children. They never leave the house until they go out to be buried, yet they are content. Do you understand their lives?' ‘No,' he answered. ‘Then do not be so sure that you can judge our laws and our customs, for ignorance is a steep hill, with perilous rocks at the bottom,' I said.

First 5 star read of 2019.