Fez, Morocco was the capital of Morocco until 1925. Rabat then remained the capital even after Morocco achieved independence in 1955. Despite its traditional character, there is a modern section: the Ville Nouvelle or "New City". Today it is a bustling commercial center. The popularity of the Fez has increased since present ruler, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, married a woman from Fez, Salma Bennani. Place Lalla Yeddouna at the heart of the Medina is currently undergoing reconstruction and preservation measures following a design competition sponsored by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (Washington D.C.) and the Government of the Morocco. The construction projects
Abdalmalik of Morocco fiercely loyal "bukhari" (the imperial black bodyguards). The bodyguard then threw their support behind the ousted Ahmed ed Dehebi, thus throwing Morocco into yet another civil war. A compromise was reached between the brothers after bloody fighting, splitting Morocco into two kingdoms. Ahmed ed Dehebi was to have Meknes for his capital while Abdalmalik was to rule from Fez. Not content with this however, Abdalmalik arranged a face-to-face meeting with his brother with the intention of assassinating him. The attempt failed and Abdalmalik was sent off under guard to a remote prison, where he was later assassinated. Abdalmalik of Morocco