Ahmad ibn Musa al-Bukhari

Ahmad ibn Musa, affectionately called 'Ba Ahmad', descended from the hereditary Abid al-Bukhari palace aristocracy. As chamberlain (Hajib) under Sultan Hassan I, his quick-witted secrecy secured a bloodless succession for the youthful Moulay Abd al-Aziz upon Hassan I's death in 1894 on the march.

As Grand Vizier and regent for six years, Ba Ahmad governed Morocco with consummate authority, ruthlessly suppressing tribal insurrections and stalling European diplomatic encroachments. In Marrakech, he expanded the Bahia Palace into a dazzling eight-hectare masterpiece of Moroccan zellij, carved plaster, and fragrant riads.