Mohamed Meziane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohammed ben Mizzian
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| محمد أمزيان | |
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| Minister of State | |
| In office 1970–1975 |
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| Moroccan Ambassador to Spain | |
| In office 1966–1970 |
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| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 1964–1966 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mohamed Belkacem Zahraoui Meziane
1 February 1897 Beni Ensar, Morocco |
| Died | 1 May 1975 (aged 78) Madrid, Spain |
| Children | 7, including Leïla Mezian |
| Spouse | Fadela Amor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch | 1913–1975 |
| Rank |
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| Wars |
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| Military awards |
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Mohammed ben Mizzian was an important Moroccan military leader. He was born on February 1, 1897, and passed away on May 1, 1975. He became a marshal in the Moroccan Army, which is a very high military rank. He is the only person to have ever held this title in Morocco.
Mizzian also served in the Spanish Army for many years. He reached the rank of Lieutenant General in Spain. After Morocco became independent, King Mohammed V asked him to return and help build the new Moroccan Army.
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Early Life and Training
Mohammed ben Mizzian was born in Beni Ansar, Morocco, on February 1, 1897. His father, Bel Qasem al-Zahrawi al-Mazzuji al-Qale'i, was a tribal leader. The Spanish called his father "Mizián 'el Bueno'", meaning "the Good One."
Military Education in Spain
Mizzian began his military training in 1913. He attended the Military Academy in Toledo, Spain. After his father's death, King Alfonso XIII of Spain supported his education.
After graduating, Mizzian became a junior officer, called an alférez. He then served for a long time in the Spanish Army in Africa. This was in the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco.
Fighting in the Rif Wars
In 1921, Mizzian took part in the Rif Wars. These wars were fought against a leader named Abdelkrim. Mizzian was promoted to Captain in 1923 and then to commander in 1925. During this time, he became good friends with Francisco Franco, another important military figure.
Role in the Spanish Civil War
In July 1936, a military uprising began in Spain. Mizzian was a commander of a group called Regulares 5. They were based near Melilla. He quickly joined the rebel side.
In his first battle of the Spanish Civil War, he attacked the seaplane base in Melilla. The commanders there had refused to join the rebellion. The loyalist troops surrendered, and their commanders were arrested.
Moving to the Peninsula
Mizzian and his Regulares then moved to mainland Spain. They were known for their fierce fighting. They were often used as shock troops by the Nationalist Army.
Mizzian was wounded during a battle in Madrid. After he recovered, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He then helped in the Siege of Oviedo.
Later Battles and Promotions
In 1938, Mizzian was promoted to Colonel. He became the commander of the First Navarra Division. He led his troops in the Battle of the Ebro. His division helped break through enemy lines. They captured many enemy positions and prisoners.
After this, Mizzian led his troops in the Catalonia Offensive. This was a major campaign that helped end the war. After the war, Franco made Mizzian the Commander General of Ceuta. In 1953, he became a Lieutenant General. He then served as Captain General in Galicia. His last post in the Spanish Army was as Governor General of the Canary Islands in 1955.
Serving Morocco
In 1956, Morocco gained its independence. King Mohammed V asked Mizzian to come back. The King wanted him to help organize the new Royal Moroccan Army. Mizzian asked Franco to release him from his duties in the Spanish Army. This request was granted on March 22, 1957.
Important Roles in Morocco
In 1964, Mizzian became Morocco's Minister of Defence. He held this job for two years. Then, King Hassan II named him ambassador to Spain. This was a friendly gesture towards Spain.
He lived at the Moroccan Embassy in Madrid until 1970. Then he returned to Morocco and became Minister of State. In November 1970, he was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. He is the only person to have ever held this title in the Moroccan Army.
Mizzian remained Minister of State until March 1975. He became very ill and was taken to a hospital in Madrid. He passed away in May 1975. His body was flown back to Morocco to be buried in his home country.
A Special Museum
In 2006, a museum was opened in Rabat, Morocco. It is dedicated to Mohammed ben Mizzian. The museum is in a house that Franco had given him as a gift. Mizzian's daughter, Leïla Mezian, started the idea for the museum.
See also
