Touria Chaoui began in 1952 when she became Morocco’s and the Arab world’s first female pilot. Newspapers all over the world covered the story. Women’s organizations congratulated her on her achievement. She drew the attention of several Moroccan dignitaries, and the late King Mohammed V gave her a red-carpet welcome at the palace.
To many, breaking gender norms and being a female pilot meant a lot. When the nation was under the French protectorate, Chaoui had become a hero to many young women. However, her success story drew the wrong crowd. Some wished for her to fail, while others wished for her to die. Chaoui was gunned down at the age of 19 a few years after her feat, ending her life and sparkling career. Some historical facts stated that the French plotted to murder her several times.
The Life of Touria Chaoui
Chaoui was born in Fez on December 14, 1936, to both Abdelwahed Chaoui, and Zina. Her dad was a French-speaking Moroccan journalist. At the age of 13, Chaoui was hired by French film director Andre Zwoboda for a role in his film “The Seventh Gate.” Chaoui’s father had requested that she be cast in a film. Chaoui did not disappoint, delivering outstanding performance. Chaoui was motivated to pursue aviation after seeing a scene in that film.
In 1950, her father enrolled her in an aviation academy in Tit Mellil, near Casablanca. During that time, that was the country’s only aviation school. According to a source, the school was built for the French forces occupying Morocco. Chaoui was the first Moroccan girl to enroll in the school, and even though authorities expected her to struggle, she worked extremely hard and was successful.
At the age of 15, Chaoui achieved her dream of becoming a professional pilot. Many couldn’t resist admiring her. Others, however, did not believe she deserved any of the acclaims. The French, in particular, was hell-bent on putting an end to her career. Moroccan historian Abdul Haq Almareni said a French colonizer placed a bomb near the door of Chaoui’s villa, but his plot did not materialize. In 1955, two French police officers fired shots at her, but she survived.
The Assassination
After several futile assassination attempts, March marked the demise of Chaoui. On March 1, 1956, she was killed while planning to fly her private plane to Saudi Arabia. According to sources, she was killed by Ahmed Touil, a nationalist resistance fighter who was rumored to be in love with the 19-year-old pilot. Her death has remained a mystery to this day.
When news emerged that Morocco’s only female pilot had been killed, Moroccans and many others in the Arab world were devastated. While many people today are unfamiliar with Chaoui’s name, her story demonstrates how hard work, commitment, and personal sacrifice can lead to success. Many young men and women continue working hard as Chaoui, though deceased, continues to inspire them. Living a purpose contributes to one being outstanding, such that even when they are no more, they are still commemorated.
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