Did you know that in the 17th century, Dutch was spoken on Moroccan pirate ships? This is the hidden history at the heart of this project – and for the first time, it is told from both sides of the sea.
Drawing on the historical research of HVM and historian Leila Meziane’s Quand l’Atlantique raconte l’histoire du Maroc, the exhibition traces the intertwined histories of trade, diplomacy, and conflict between Morocco, the Dutch Republic, and the wider Atlantic world. Through original historical objects, contemporary artistic perspectives, and surprising stories of migration, identity, and power, it reveals how maritime routes connected worlds that are too often understood as separate.
At the heart of the exhibition is a 360° immersive experience by visual artist Muhcine Ennou, placing visitors inside the world of the sea – its adventure and navigation, its rituals, superstitions, and strategies. Original flags from the corsair ships are on display: each one an expression of identity in the republic of the sea. Alongside them, reconstructed costumes bring the reality of life and ranks on deck to life.
The exhibition opens on 3 October 2026 at the Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui in Casablanca, and will be activated through a program of workshops and talks.
