Page:The Moslem World Vol XI.djvu/97



In our last number we made reference to an important article by the Spanish Ambassador Don Alfonso Merry del Val, in the Geographical Journal, continuing his paper on "The Spanish Zones in Morocco" in the June number 1920. He gives the following account of the progress made in education;

"As is well known, education is little more than nominal in Morocco. At Fez the so-called University of El Kairuan still subsists, but instruction in the towns and villages of the empire is reduced to little more than reading, writing and learning the Koran by heart. In the remoter districts of the Rif and Jebala even this rudimentary learning is unknown. On the other hand, Spain is confronted with the educational problem among her own nationals in Morocco, and has been obliged to cope with both on different lines. In order not to clash with religious sentiment she has not interfered with the existing schools, but has contented herself with having her language taught there, to the undisguised satisfaction of the Moors, keen as they are to acquire this additional means of developing their trade. Aided by clear-sighted Mohammedans she has set up in every large centre Spanish Arabic schools, where higher teaching is imparted by capable Moorish masters with Spanish cooperation and supervision. The Mohammedan University, or Medersa, has been restored at Tetuan to more than its pristine glory by enlisting the staff of thirteen professors among the best elements in our zone. The result of this policy has already been reaped. Native officials educated in these Islamic schools are now employed in the Post Office and other public services of the Protectorate.

"Spanish children in Morocco have for generations past had their school in every coast town, even in far-off Mogador. Spain owes much in this and other respects to the Franciscan Order. For seven hundred years these humble patriots have worked among the local Christians and discreetly ministered to the temporal wants of Mussulmans and Jews, without hurting their religious susceptibilities. Thus, respected and honoured by all, they maintained the flickering flame of culture in halfforgotten corners of the world and kept the flag flying through the ages. On this foundation the Spanish State, whose colleges in Ceuta and Melilla do it credit, has established modern schools, open to allcomers without distinction of race or creed wherever Spaniards are to be found in Morocco.

"The finest of these establishments are to be seen at Tangier, where the Alfonso XIII., the Playa, and San Francisco schools can accommodate over two thousand scholars of both sexes for primary and secondary instruction, including foreign languages and commercial courses. As you see, it is impossible to speak of the Spanish zone in Northern Morocco without mentioning Tangier as the geographical, ethnological, psychological, and therefore the logical part of a whole. Tangier is as thoroughly Spanish as any town beyond the nation's frontiers. Spanish is the language of high and low, European, Moor and Jew. The .thought and sentiment, the life and sympathy, of the town are cast