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Abstract

Charles de Foucault is probably one of the most famous explorers who travelled through pre-colonial Morocco. His achievement is still considered as a milestone in the colonial historiography. However, surprisingly enough, the success and fame of this explorer considerably hide the essential role and the fundamental contribution of his travelling companion Mardochée Aby Serour. This article will examine, through Mustapha Kébir Ammi's novel “Mardochée”, the guide's position regarding the mission in which he undertook together with Charles de Foucault, alias Youssef Aleman. In “Mardochée” (2011), Kébir-Mustapha Ammi gives voice to this character which remained silent and deprived of the right to speak. The author revisits Mardochée’s famous expedition alongside Charles de Foucault, and transcribes his own version of its unfolding. In his work, Mustapha Ammi will not only seek to restore Mardochée’s reputation, but will also reveal certain truths hidden in the history of Charles de Foucault. It should be noted, however, that the events of the journey are narrated almost identically, but through the eyes of the traveling companion, and with a critical gaze to the narrated events, even if this affects the reputation of the author. Unlike Charles de Foucauld, who excels in trickery while recovering only what he could glorify, Mardochée decides, on the other hand, to tell the truth at any cost.

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