Abdelhadi Tazi facts for kids
Abdelhadi Tazi was a very important Moroccan scholar, writer, and historian. He also served as an ambassador for Morocco in many different countries. He was born on June 15, 1921, and passed away on April 2, 2015.
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Early Life and Activism
Abdelhadi Tazi was born in the city of Fes, Morocco. He went to primary and secondary school right there in his hometown. From a young age, he was involved in the Nationalist Movement. This movement worked to free Morocco from colonial rule. Because of his involvement, he faced difficult times, including being sent away from his home (which is called exile) and even being put in prison.
His Journey and Career
Abdelhadi Tazi had a long and impressive career, focusing on learning, teaching, and diplomacy.
Education and Teaching
- In 1947, he earned a high-level diploma in religious studies from the famous University of Al Karaouine in Fes. He graduated with "Honores," meaning he did exceptionally well.
- The very next year, in 1948, he became a teacher at the same university where he had studied.
- In 1953, he graduated from the Moroccan Institute of High Studies.
- After Morocco gained its independence, in 1957, he was appointed as the Director of the Cultural Section in the Ministry of National Education in Rabat. This meant he was in charge of cultural programs for the country's education system.
- He continued his own studies, earning a high-level diploma in History from Mohammed V University in 1963. He received an "Excellent" distinction.
- In 1966, he earned an English certificate from a language institute in Baghdad, Iraq.
- He completed his highest degree, a PhD in History, from the University of Alexandria in 1971, again with "Honores."
Writing and Diplomacy
Abdelhadi Tazi started writing very early, in 1935. He published more than 600 articles and essays. He also translated many books and studies from English and French into Arabic.
He served as an ambassador for Morocco in several countries:
- From 1963 to 1967, he was the Moroccan Ambassador to Iraq.
- From 1967 to 1968, he was the Ambassador to Libya.
- From 1968 to 1972, he returned to Baghdad as ambassador and also carried out diplomatic work in the Persian Gulf region.
- In 1979, he became the Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran. After this, he worked directly for the Royal Cabinet of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Beyond his diplomatic roles, he held other important positions:
- In 1973, he became the Director of the Institute for Scientific Research.
- In 1990, he founded and became the Chairman of the Moroccan Diplomatic Club.
- In 1992, he chaired the sixth International Conference of Geographical Names Standardization.
One of his most important works involved the travels of Ibn Battuta. He worked on Rihla (also known as "The Journey"). This is a famous medieval book that tells the story of the 14th-century Moroccan scholar and traveler Ibn Battuta.
Abdelhadi Tazi was also a professor and lecturer at many institutes, high schools, and universities. He taught about international relations, civilization, and history in Morocco and around the world. He also took part in many important conferences and meetings about cultural, social, and political topics.
Important Memberships
Abdelhadi Tazi was a member of many important academic and scientific groups around the world. Some of these include:
- The Iraqi Scientific Academy (since 1966)
- The Arabic Language Academy in Cairo (since 1976)
- The Arab-Argentina Institute (since 1978)
- The Ahl Albayt Academy and the Arabic Language Academy of Jordan (since 1980)
- The Constitution Committee of the Kingdom of Morocco Academy, and a member of this Academy (since 1980)
- The Arabic Language Academy of Damas (since 1986)
- The Institute of the Islamic Heritage, London (since 1991)
- The Egyptian Science Academy (since 1996)
He was also part of many other regional and international associations.
Awards and Honors
Abdelhadi Tazi received several important awards and decorations for his contributions:
- The Throne Wissam from Morocco (1963)
- The El Hamala Al Kobra from Libya (1968)
- The Wissam Arrafidaine from Iraq (1972)
- The Intellectual first Class Merit Medal from Morocco (1976)
- The Gold Medal of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco (1992)
Selected Works
Abdelhadi Tazi wrote many books and studies on various topics. Here are a few examples of his works:
- 11 centuries History of the Qaraouiyn (a history of the famous Al-Karaouine University)
- A glimpse on diplomatic history of Morocco
- Moroccan-American relations history (written in English)
- Al Qaraouiyn University History (in three volumes)
- Libya, through the Journey of Ishaqui
- The "Badia Palace", world wonder
- Sicilia after Ambassador Ibn Othman memories
- Education in Arab countries (in three languages)
- Moroccan-Iranian relations
- Falcon Hunting between the Machrek and the Maghreb
- French protectora: beginning and end (about the period when France controlled Morocco)
- Moroccan 'Waqfs' in Jerusalem (about Moroccan religious endowments in Jerusalem)
- Annotations of "Ibn Batouta Journey" (in five volumes, showing his deep work on Ibn Battuta's travels)
- Jerusalem and Hebron according to Moroccan travellers
- Moroccan International History (in three volumes)
Death
Abdelhadi Tazi passed away in Rabat, Morocco, at the age of 94.
