The Morocco Royal Order of Ouissam Alaouite Officer's Star (1st Type) is a significant and early version of this historic Moroccan decoration.
Established: 1913.
Royal House: Alaouite.
Awarded for:
Loyal Service to the Throne of Morocco.
Military Merit, particularly heroism in combat or distinguished military service.
Religious Affiliation: Islam.
Status: The 1st type, exclusive to Muslim recipients.
Design and Features
Type: Officer’s Star (1st Type).
Dimensions: 61.60 x 41.05 mm.
Features:
Includes an officer's rosette on the ribbon, denoting the rank of the decoration.
The medal bears the original inscription in Arabic:
"There is no other God but Allah and Mohamed is His Prophet."
This inscription reflects the order's Islamic identity and exclusivity to Muslim recipients during its early years.
Historical Context
First Type (1913–Protectorate Transition):
Created by Sultan Yusuf to reward loyalty and merit, primarily for Muslim subjects of the Moroccan throne.
The inclusion of the Islamic inscription underscores its religious and royal symbolism.
Changes Post-Protectorate (Second Type):
After Morocco became a French/Spanish Protectorate, the inscription was removed to make the decoration more inclusive.
The order began to be awarded to Christian recipients, especially French colonial troops, recognizing their service in Morocco.
WWI Significance:
During World War I, the order became an important symbol of recognition for Moroccan contributions to the war effort, particularly for troops and officials demonstrating exceptional merit.
Comparison to Other Decorations
The Order of Ouissam Alaouite is often compared to the Legion of Merit awarded by the United States military. Both serve as prestigious honors for extraordinary service and achievement, though the Ouissam Alaouite carries a unique blend of Islamic and royal Moroccan heritage.
This WWI Royal Order of Ouissam Alaouite Officer's Star (1st Type) represents not only a prestigious award but also a piece of Morocco's complex history during the early 20th century. Its exclusivity to Muslim recipients and the presence of the Islamic inscription highlight its original purpose as a uniquely Moroccan royal and religious honor.