Mohammed V (
August 10, 1909–February 26, 1961) (
Arabic: محمد الخامس) was
Sultan of
Morocco from 1927 to 1953, exiled from 1953-55, where he was again recognized as Sultan upon his return, and
King from 1957 to 1961. He was the son of Sultan
Yusef, upon whose death he succeeded to the throne. He was a member of the
Alaouite Dynasty.
On
August 20 1953, the
French who were occupying Morocco at the time forced Mohammed V and his family into exile on
Corsica. A relative of his,
Mohammed Ben Aarafa, was placed on the throne.
Mohammed V and his family were then transferred to
Madagascar in January
1954. Mohammed V returned from exile on
November 16 1955, again recognized as Sultan after active opposition to the French protectorate. In February 1956 he successfully negotiated with France for the independence of Morocco, and in 1957 took the title of King.
Among his wives was
Lalla Abla bint Tahar, who became the mother of his son and successor
Hassan II.
The
Mohammed V International Airport of
Casablanca is named after him, as well as numerous universities and various public spaces across Morocco. There is an Avenue Mohammed V in nearly every Moroccan city.
