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Histoire du Maroc
Cette synthese lumineuse nous fait traverser des siecles d histoire marocaine tambour battant, de l empire romain a la premiere islamisation au VIIe siecle, puis a l emergence des constructions imperiales au XIe, jusqu a l avenement de Mohammed VI en 1999. Daniel Rivet nous plonge dans ce pays aux contrastes fascinants, ou coexistent les cites arabisees du Nord et les casbahs berberes du Sud, les musulmans et les juifs, les docteurs de la loi et les saints. Exceptionnel au Maghreb a bien des egards, le royaume cherifien ne laisse pas percer ses secrets facilement: depuis quand le Maroc existe-t-il ? Comment expliquer la perennite de la monarchie ? Pourquoi des styles culturels aux antipodes parviennent-ils a cohabiter ? Fidele au mot de Paul Veyne pour qui expliquer plus, c est raconter mieux, l auteur fait sa place au temps long, aux structures, a l equilibre entre etat et nation, tout en entrainant parfois le lecteur dans le tourbillon des evenements. Il livre des portraits vibrants aussi bien des bourgeois fassis ou des ksouriens du Tafilalt au XVIIe siecle que de la jeunesse contemporaine, parce que, par-dela l abstraction du Maroc, il y a les hommes. Un ouvrage appele a devenir une reference."
- GenresHistory
452 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2012
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 9, 2025
Daniel Rivet's Histoire du Maroc is undeniably informative and provides a broad overview of Moroccan history, making it accessible to readers who may be unfamiliar with the subject. However, the book has significant limitations that detract from its overall value, particularly for Arab or Moroccan readers who are likely seeking a more nuanced and culturally grounded perspective.
One of the main issues with Rivet's work is its heavy reliance on orientalist authors and frameworks. Orientalism, as a scholarly tradition, often perpetuates Eurocentric and exoticized views of non-Western societies, and this influence is evident in Rivet's narrative. Authors like Marçais and Arkoun, whose works are cited throughout, are emblematic of this problematic approach. Their interpretations of Moroccan history and culture often lack the depth and sensitivity required to accurately represent the complexities of the region. For readers who are already familiar with these biases, Rivet's reliance on such sources can be frustrating and alienating.
Moreover, the book often feels less like an original contribution to the field and more like a synthesis or translation of existing works, particularly those of Abdallah Laroui, a prominent Moroccan historian. While synthesizing existing scholarship can be valuable, Rivet's approach sometimes lacks critical engagement with primary sources. Instead, he frequently relies on secondary or even tertiary resources, which weakens the scholarly rigor of the work. This reliance on secondhand information can lead to oversimplifications or inaccuracies, further limiting the book's usefulness for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Moroccan history.
For Arab or Moroccan readers, these shortcomings are particularly glaring. The book does not adequately center Moroccan voices or perspectives, nor does it engage meaningfully with the rich historiography produced by Moroccan scholars. Instead, it often feels like a retelling of Moroccan history through a Eurocentric lens, which can be alienating for readers who are looking for a more authentic and culturally resonant account of their own heritage.
One of the main issues with Rivet's work is its heavy reliance on orientalist authors and frameworks. Orientalism, as a scholarly tradition, often perpetuates Eurocentric and exoticized views of non-Western societies, and this influence is evident in Rivet's narrative. Authors like Marçais and Arkoun, whose works are cited throughout, are emblematic of this problematic approach. Their interpretations of Moroccan history and culture often lack the depth and sensitivity required to accurately represent the complexities of the region. For readers who are already familiar with these biases, Rivet's reliance on such sources can be frustrating and alienating.
Moreover, the book often feels less like an original contribution to the field and more like a synthesis or translation of existing works, particularly those of Abdallah Laroui, a prominent Moroccan historian. While synthesizing existing scholarship can be valuable, Rivet's approach sometimes lacks critical engagement with primary sources. Instead, he frequently relies on secondary or even tertiary resources, which weakens the scholarly rigor of the work. This reliance on secondhand information can lead to oversimplifications or inaccuracies, further limiting the book's usefulness for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Moroccan history.
For Arab or Moroccan readers, these shortcomings are particularly glaring. The book does not adequately center Moroccan voices or perspectives, nor does it engage meaningfully with the rich historiography produced by Moroccan scholars. Instead, it often feels like a retelling of Moroccan history through a Eurocentric lens, which can be alienating for readers who are looking for a more authentic and culturally resonant account of their own heritage.
Displaying 1 of 1 review