The Fes Riots of 1912 triggered the abdication of Sultan Abd al-Hafid and led France to relocate Morocco's capital from Fes to Rabat.
Key Facts
- Date of outbreak
- April 17, 1912
- Moroccan Muslim deaths
- approximately 600 people
- European deaths
- 66 people
- Moroccan Jewish deaths
- 42 people
- French troops remaining in Fes
- 1,500 troops
- Moroccan askars in Fes
- 5,000 soldiers
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The signing of the Treaty of Fes in 1912 established a French protectorate over Morocco. The population of Fes viewed this as a betrayal by Sultan Abd al-Hafid, who departed for Rabat for his safety. Despite warnings of unrest, most French troops had withdrawn, leaving a reduced garrison of French soldiers and Moroccan askars commanded by French officers.
On the morning of April 17, 1912, French officers announced the treaty's measures to their Moroccan askars, many of whom immediately mutinied. Soldiers attacked their French commanders, then turned on the European and Jewish quarters of Fes. General Brulard ordered artillery fire on the Jewish mellah, causing widespread casualties among both Jews and Muslims. After two days of violence, the rebels surrendered.
Sultan Abd al-Hafid was forced to abdicate in favour of his brother Yusuf. Resident General Hubert Lyautey relocated the capital of Morocco from Fes to Rabat. The riots drew sharp criticism of French Resident-General Eugène Regnault and shaped the early administration of the French protectorate.
Political Outcome
Moroccan askars mutinied, anti-Jewish and anti-European violence ensued; Sultan Abd al-Hafid abdicated and Morocco's capital was moved from Fes to Rabat.
Sultan Abd al-Hafid ruling Morocco, Fes as capital
Sultan Yusuf on throne under French protectorate, Rabat as new capital