Casablanca – A somber yet dignified gathering took place in Casablanca on Thursday as the funeral of the late Aïcha El Khattabi, daughter of the revered Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim El Khattabi, unfolded. The distinguished ceremony was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, a testament to the respect and honor bestowed upon the memory of this notable figure.
Following the Dhuhr (midday) and funeral prayers, the mortal remains of the deceased were interred in the Errahma cemetery, a final resting place befitting her significance in Moroccan history.
In attendance were family members, relatives, and an array of distinguished personalities, all gathering to pay their respects to the departed soul. Aïcha El Khattabi’s legacy is intertwined with the rich tapestry of Moroccan history and the struggle for independence.
Aïcha El Khattabi, who passed away in Casablanca on Wednesday at the age of 81, had been battling a long illness with fortitude and grace. Born in 1942, she spent her formative years in Egypt, where she pursued her education. It was upon the untimely death of her father, Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim El Khattabi, that she returned to her homeland, Morocco.
She was a graduate of the American College for Girls in Cairo, holding a bachelor’s degree that attested to her dedication to learning and knowledge. Throughout her life, she contributed to preserving the memory and values of her father, who played a pivotal role in Morocco’s quest for independence.
One of her significant roles in life was as an advisor to the Mohamed Abdelkrim El Khattabi Foundation, where she worked diligently to uphold her father’s legacy and the principles he stood for. Her commitment to preserving the history and heritage of Morocco was unwavering.
The funeral of Aïcha El Khattabi was a poignant moment for Morocco, a nation that recognizes and appreciates the immense contributions of its historical figures. Her passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations in their pursuit of knowledge, justice, and the betterment of their homeland.
As Morocco bids farewell to Aïcha El Khattabi, her memory will live on, serving as a reminder of the dedication and resilience of those who played a significant role in shaping the nation’s history and identity.
As a reminder, Aïcha El Khattabi had met with His Majesty the King, on the occasion of the Throne Day celebration on July 30, 2018. “King Mohammed VI continues to show special interest in the Rif region,” expressing his desire to see “greater prosperity in this region,” she had declared at the time. She was “convinced that the population of the region is aware of the efforts made by the Sovereign to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants” and expressed hope for a “resolution of the situation of those detained” in the context of the events in Al Hoceima.
The Sovereign had contacted her family, upon his accession to the throne, to inform them of his “first visit to Al Hoceima and the Rif region.”
