The Hasanian Order (Wissam al-Hassaniya) is a prestigious decoration from Morocco’s Spanish Protectorate era, symbolizing honor and recognition in the region governed by Prince Mulay Hasan bin Mahdi.
Establishment:
Founded: May 23, 1949.
By Prince Mulay Hasan bin Mahdi, Khalifa of Tetuan, in the Spanish-controlled zone of Morocco.
Status: Declared obsolete in 1956, following the end of the Spanish Protectorate and Morocco’s independence.
Purpose: Recognized individuals for exceptional service or contributions in the Spanish zone of Morocco.
Specifications
Dimensions: 88.35 x 59.51 mm.
Class: Commander (neck badge).
Design:
Likely features a combination of Moroccan and Spanish motifs, reflective of the dual influences of the time.
Intricate craftsmanship with an elegant design typical of mid-20th-century honors.
Suspension: Designed to be worn as a neck badge, indicating its high rank in the order.
Historical Context
Spanish Zone of Morocco (1912–1956):
The Spanish Protectorate in northern Morocco, with Tetuan as its capital, was governed by Moroccan princes acting as Khalifas under Spanish supervision.
The Hasanian Order, introduced in 1949, reflected this unique governance structure and honored individuals contributing to administration, culture, or development in the region.
Obsolescence:
The order ceased to exist in 1956, coinciding with the dissolution of the Spanish Protectorate and Morocco’s reunification under King Mohammed V.
The Hasanian Order, Commander Class, serves as a rare and elegant reminder of Morocco’s Protectorate era and the influence of Spanish governance in the region. Its intricate design, coupled with its historical importance, makes it a prized possession for collectors of African and colonial-era decorations.