On this day, 104 years ago, on September 19, 1921 (August 18, 1921 lunar calendar), northern Morocco became independent and the Republic of the Rif was established. On September 19, 1921, the leader of the Rif, Abdel Kerim, caused a sudden blow to European interests in the country due to the establishment of a new republic in northern Morocco. After a series of military victories against the Spanish armed forces in the territory, Abdel Kerim, the leader of the Rif tribe, declared the establishment of the Republic of the Rif. Abdel Kerim's anti-Spanish movement was widely praised in North Africa. "It was a brilliant military victory that terrified Europe and the Christian world, set an example and inspired all the oppressed peoples of the Muslim world," said Mesari-Haji, an Algerian writer. The Rif is a mountainous area in northern Morocco near the coast. Since the Europeans came to the country, this area has been a central point of resistance to their imperialist plans. Abdel-Kerim led the people of the River 3 million in their struggle against Spain and achieved brilliant results. He was a member of the Beni-Oriagal tribe, the son of a "civil judge" and a respected magistrate. Until 1915, Abdel-Kerim was a highly respected government official.