This oil painting portrays the Moroccan ambassador who visited London in late 1600—Abd al-Wahid ibn Masoud ibn Muhammad Anun. He was part of a delegation of seventeen men sent by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur al-Dhahabi to negotiate with Queen Elizabeth I of England.
The purpose of this mission was ambitious: to explore the possibility of a military alliance between Morocco and England against their common enemy, Spain.
A Strange but Respected Presence in England
Although the English court was not entirely comfortable receiving the delegation—mainly because they were Muslims—the ambassadors were met with curiosity and fascination. Contemporary English accounts describe them as unusual visitors:
“These newcomers eat only from the livestock they brought and slaughtered themselves, and they pray five times a day facing the sun.”
Despite this cultural distance, the Moroccan delegation was treated with respect. Political interests ultimately outweighed religious differences, and both sides remained open to negotiation as long as mutual benefits were possible.
Why the Alliance Failed
Unfortunately, the discussions between Abd al-Wahid ibn Masoud and Queen Elizabeth I did not lead to a concrete alliance. The English crown ultimately rejected the idea of a joint invasion of Spain.
However, the two sides did reach a tentative understanding about exploring opportunities in the New World (America). This project also failed to materialize. The main obstacle was the lack of agreement on how such a venture would be implemented in practice.
Additionally, both rulers died just two years after these discussions, which halted any remaining momentum. English political circles were also hesitant about cooperating with Muslim powers in overseas expansion. This hesitation is reflected in the writings of John Chamberlain, a contemporary observer, who described such cooperation as:
“A shameful and disgraceful matter for the world, to be on friendly terms with infidels.”
Did the Moroccan Ambassador Influence Shakespeare’s Othello?
The Moroccan delegation remained in England for about six months. During this time, they attended major public celebrations, including the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in November 1600, where they were even given a special viewing gallery.
They also stayed through the Christmas season, which allowed them to witness theatrical performances by Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men.
It is very likely that William Shakespeare himself saw the Moroccan ambassador and his entourage. According to Jerry Brotton, a Renaissance studies scholar at Queen Mary University of London, Abd al-Wahid ibn Masoud may have influenced Shakespeare’s portrayal of Othello, the noble Moor.
Othello, much like the ambassador, is depicted as a respected outsider—admired for his military skill but still subjected to suspicion and racial prejudice in Venetian society.
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