“Hommage au Maréchal!” resounded across Casablanca on a November day in 1938. Here before you stands the Equestrian statue of Hubert Lyautey. It commemorates Hubert Lyautey. He was the first Resident-General of the French Protectorate in Morocco.
The statue’s story is deeply entwined with Morocco’s colonial past. French sculptor François Cogné created this statue. It was unveiled with great fanfare in front of the city courthouse. The courthouse was on Casablanca’s main square now Muhammad V Square.
Sultan Mohammed V himself attended the ceremony. Resident-General Charles Noguès was also present. Lyautey’s widow Inès de Bourgoing graced the event. French minister Guy La Chambre added to the dignitaries. French Academician Louis Gillet delivered a florid speech. The statue quickly became a symbol of French power and influence in Casablanca. A 1946 Moroccan stamp even featured it.
But times change and symbols evolve. Morocco gained independence. Colonial symbols became reminders of oppression. In April 1959, the Equestrian statue of Hubert Lyautey was relocated. It found a new home on the grounds of the French consulate-general in Casablanca. It remained visible from the square.
Even in its new location, the statue’s presence stirred debate. In 2020, a petition called for its removal from public view. Petitioners cited its representation of colonial oppression under the French protectorate regime. The Equestrian statue of Hubert Lyautey became a focal point for discussions. These discussions centered on Morocco’s identity and its relationship with its colonial history.
The statue depicts Lyautey astride a horse. He is portrayed as a leader and a figure of authority. The statue reflects the values and perspectives of the colonial era. The inscriptions on the statue are in both Arabic and French. They highlight the dual cultural influences.
Now, consider the Equestrian statue of Hubert Lyautey as more than just a sculpture. It is a historical artifact. It embodies a complex and sometimes painful chapter in Morocco’s past. Its relocation and the subsequent calls for its removal reflect a society grappling with its identity. It is dealing with the legacy of colonialism.
Take a moment to reflect on the weight of history. Think about the stories this statue could tell. It has witnessed celebrations and protests. It has observed the ebb and flow of political power. The Equestrian statue of Hubert Lyautey stands as a silent witness to Casablanca’s ever-changing story. A story of colonialism, independence, and the ongoing quest for identity.