| Page Views: 3,051 Last Visit to Tangier: - | Tangier by Carnation - last update: Mar 25, 2005 |
Introduction
What conjures up in one's mind when thinking of Morocco? A land of golden deserts and caravans of camels and tribes traversing across the sandy dunes. Hot by day and cold by night when a million stars light up the black skies. The land of 1001 arabian nights and of desert songs and romance.
In contrast, there are the cities built in these deserts alongside large and small oasis which have become thriving, bustling cosmopolitans. A country full of the aromas of rich spices, and of beautiful abodes adorned with rich colours and architectural brilliance. A land of proud people and ancient customs yet warm and friendly. My journey took me to Tangier for the day.
A Bit Of History
Tangier was most likely founded by the Phoenicians. It was a free city under Roman rule and the chief port and commercial center of Morocco until the founding of Fes in 808. It was taken by the Moors by the Portuguese in 1471 and was transferred to Great Britain as part of the dowry that Catherine of Braganza brought to Charles II.
The English gave the city back to the Moroccans in 1684 and by the mid nineteenth century it had become the diplomatic center of Morocco. When the rest of the country was divided amongst the Spanish and French protectorates in 1912, the status of Tangier remained uncertain.
Finally, in 1923/24, an international zone administered by France, Spain and Great Britain was set up and Italy joined 1928. The city was included in the zone as a duty-free port. Spain controlled the zone during the second world war and in 1945 it was returned to international control by agreement of Great Britain, France, USA and the USSR. Tangier remained under the international control until 1956 when it was finally handed back to Morocco. |
| Tangier coastline as seen from space |
. . . Satellite Image
Tangier is located at the very top of Morocco. It is just one of many cities in Morocco and is located near the coast where you can see Gibraltar across the Straits. The City has a busy port and building, fishing and textiles industry and tourism is a very important trade for Tangier. The walled Moorish town adjoins a European suburb. |
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 Comments for Carnation about Tangier | | | | |
Rabbityama Sat Oct 22, 2005 03:34 UTC
Nice Page! I like the brief history lesson. It's very interesting! | marcoparco Mon Apr 19, 2004 23:24 UTC
Very interesting page! When did you travel up to space to take that shot? Pretty good one!hahaha | pchamlis Fri Jan 9, 2004 20:31 UTC
Tantalizing look at an exotic destination. I'd love to go to Morocco, Jyan. Nice work. | Canadienne Sun Nov 2, 2003 00:00 UTC
I've always been interested in visiting Morocco. Lovely page, Jyan. . .did it make you want to explore more of the country? |
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