British Missions to the Jews of Morocco: Evangelism and Empire in the Late Nineteenth Century

Christian missionary activity reached its peak during the nineteenth century, which also coincided with the European imperial expansion. As historical records show, missionaries often operated as a key source of information for imperial powers, offering first-hand accounts of their intermingling with the populations of the lands occupied. Morocco made no exception, serving as a viable destination to Christian proselytising-an effort undoubtedly invigorated by the imperial “civilising mission” of the time. The present paper sheds light on the evangelical activity that targeted the country with special focus on the Jewish community residing in the country at the time. It offers a historical overview of the evangelical activities of the British missions, the ideological and logistical challenges they encountered, and the broader reception of this religious endeavour. By situating the missionary Moroccan enterprise in its socio-political time and space, the study provides interesting insights into how faith, empire, and identity intersected in this complex colonial project.