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protected by one of the few bays on Morocco’s Mediterranean coastline, Tangier has
been frequented from the times of the earliest navigators of Antiquity. Legend has it
that it was founded by the giant Anteus, while Hercules, Alexander and Ulysses are
other figures closely associated with the city’s mythical past.
Certain features of the ancient city’s urban plan are preserved in the urban fabric of
the present-day medina.
The Arab general Oqba Ibn Nafi initiated the Muslim period of Tangier’s history in
the year 682. It was occupied by Musa Ibn Nusayr at the beginning of the eighth
century when, along with Sebta, it served as a trampoline for the passage of Muslim
troops to Spain. As a result, the city was fortified with a surrounding wall which is
still perfectly intact today. Its port was equipped with a light-house and a dockyard
which specialised in the fabrication of arms. A stop-off port for small shipping
vessels, Tangier exported horses and food produce such as grapes and pears.
The importance attributed to the Straits of Gibraltar in the nineteenth century
transformed Tangier into the diplomatic capital of Morocco. From this moment on,
the city attained international recognition as an important trading centre, a
recognition made official in 1906 by the Treaty of Algeciras which placed it under
international mandate. Tangier was also a favourite haunt of painters who began to
frequent the city from the nineteenth century, Delacroix and Matisse being among
the most famous of these.
Tangier’s walled medina can be reached from the west via the Berra Souk (exterior
market) also known as the Grand Souk. Access to Siaghine Street is gained through
the entrance gate Bab el Fahs. Developed in the nineteenth century, the old
cosmopolitan centre of Tangier is home to a number of synagogues and churches.
Also to be found here are the city’s foreign legations.
At the heart of the medina where the streets and alleys lead up to the higher part of
the city and the Kasbah quarter, lies the Small Souk or Souk Dakhel. A few metres
from the Grand Souk, the El Minzah Hotel deserves a visit. This beautiful and often
filmed traditional residence has a Moorish courtyard, gardens and halls. Situated in
Méchouar square in the Kasbah quarter is the seventeenth-century Dar el Makhzen
(the headquarters of power) which currently houses the local museum. On exhibit
here are objects from different regions of northern Morocco¾ elements of traditional
dress, pottery, jewellery etc, as well as archaeological pieces (and copies) dating
from ancient eras.
The Marshan district with its beautiful houses is home to the Forbes Museum
whose military miniatures feature battles such as that of the Three Kings (1578)
which took place in Ksar el Kebir’s surrounding countryside a few hundred
kilometres south of Tangier.
Morocco, a vast stretch of land situated at the extreme west of the Maghreb Desert,
owes its uniqueness to its unusual geographical situation. The plains, the
mountains, the deserts, and a coastline which borders both the Atlantic and the
Mediterranean have fortunately been inhabited by people who have taken great pride
in their particular region. The geographical diversity of the area attracted the great
conquerors, and the country became a melting pot of civilizations. Phoenicians,
Romans, Arabs, Andalusians and Africans all brought inestimable wealth to
Morocco, both material and spiritual. Their legacy continues to contribute to the
beauty and success of the region today.
Tangier is set between two worlds, belonging fully to neither, it can be compared to
a doorway opening onto all dreams and possibilities.
This strategic location, however, has been coveted by European powers through the
years. As a result, in 1923 Tangier became an international zone governed by a
dozen diplomats along with a representative of the Sultan. Tangier prospered
rapidly. Many adventurers, millionaires and artists settled there, as did modern
"pirates" operating shadier enterprises.
Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar with a view of Spain's southern coast, Tangier is
set upon a spectacular bay and has been a magnet for travelers for centuries. Since
independence, tourism has flourished. Attracted to the beauty of the setting and the
mildness of the climate, wealthy Moroccans still chose Tangier as their holiday
resort.
Today the city is primarily a shipping center. It is frequently on the itinerary of day-
tripping tourists on package tours of Spain. Open-air markets throughout Morocco
are piled high with rugs, woodwork, and jewelry. The country's main product is
leather, which is said to be the softest in the world.
Tangier has been called the Gateway to Morocco and was designated as the
country's summer capital by King Hassan II. In Tangier, a city of contrasts, the East
comes together with the West in a colorful medley. Tangier is the ideal starting point
for the traveler to Africa. An easy hop from Europe, it is a friendly, hectic and
stimulating place to explore.
