A historic meeting of past and present unfolded at the University of Birmingham, connecting centuries of diplomacy in an unexpected way.
Fez- Hakim Hajoui, Morocco’s ambassador to the UK recently participated in an event that journey to the past at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham, where he viewed the iconic portrait of Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud ben Mohammed Anoun.
The portrait, recognized as the earliest British painting of a Muslim figure, serves as a vivid reminder of the deep-rooted ties between Morocco and the United Kingdom.
The historic figure depicted in the portrait, Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud, led a diplomatic delegation to London in 1600, under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
His mission aimed to strengthen trade relations and explore a potential alliance against Spain. This momentous visit remains a cornerstone in the history of Morocco-UK relations and has even been speculated as one of the inspirations for Shakespeare’s “Othello.” .
Hajoui expressed the profound significance of the portrait during his visit, according to Birmingham University.
“This painting symbolizes centuries of enduring ties between Morocco and the United Kingdom. Witnessing it displayed at the Barber Institute shows the invaluable role academic and cultural institutions play in preserving and celebrating our shared heritage,” he said.
The ambassador’s visit exemplified the university’s growing engagement with Morocco and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell welcomed Hajoui, saying it was a “privilege” to host the diplomat as the university celebrates their 125th anniversary.
“As a global civic university, we take pride in fostering educational and cultural exchanges that benefit communities in the MENA region and beyond,” he continued.
The portrait of Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud has traveled extensively and has been included as part of prestigious exhibitions.
In 2022, the University of Birmingham lent the painting to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art to be displayed in “The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England” exhibition, which later toured to the Cleveland Museum of Art and the San Francisco Museum of Fine Art.
Currently on display at the Barber Institute, the masterpiece will remain there until late January, when the gallery closes for its next phase of renovations.
Clare Mullett, Head of Research and Cultural Collections at the University of Birmingham, also spoke on the painting’s importance.
“This landmark portrait offers a unique glimpse into diplomatic and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Islamic world at the turn of the 17th century.”
She continued: “Abd el-Ouahed’s visit marked a pivotal moment in history, reflecting England’s openness to forging connections beyond its immediate geographic boundaries.”
As the University of Birmingham continues to strengthen its global partnerships, the display of this historic portrait stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural and academic collaboration.
Read more: National Library’s New Exhibit Gives Visitors a Glimpse into Amazigh’s Rich Heritage
