Mohamed Zebdi
Haj Mohamed Zebdi was a Moroccan diplomat.[1]
Biography[edit]
In 1876, Moulay Hassan I appointed Haj Mohamed Zebdi, a former Prefect of Rabat, as Morocco's European ambassador.[2] Zebdi had previously served under Moulay Abdrahmane bin Hisham and held various roles during the Spanish-Moroccan War. His diplomatic mission traversed Italy, France, Belgium, England, with France being the initial and most significant stop due to its potential threat to Morocco.[2][3]
Zebdi, leading the Moroccan delegation, was welcomed at the Élysée Palace, where he addressed French President Patrice de MacMahon on behalf of the Alaouite Sultan.[2] The French government facilitated Zebdi's travel to Great Britain with a special ship.[2] In London, Zebdi met Queen Victoria and explored ways to safeguard English merchants in Morocco.[2]
After returning briefly to France, Zebdi moved to Italy, meeting King Victor Emmanuel III in Turin on August 22.[2] The ambassador returned to Tangier later that year.[2] He contributed to the 1880 Madrid Agreement, which recognized Morocco as an independent state.[2]
References[edit]
Further reading[edit]
- Srhir, Khalid Ben (2005). Britain and Morocco During the Embassy of John Drummond Hay, 1845-1886