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In Essaouira, a peaceful coastal town on the country's
central Atlantic shores, Morocco still possesses an authentic gem,
its dense mass of whitewashed houses shining brightly in contrast
to the blue of sea and sky, and the blue and ochre colouring of
door and window frames.
The tranquility and traditional aspect of Essaouira
belie its rich history and the many international influences that
have surged through this ancient trading and fishing port at one
time or another. Founded by Phoenician traders as far back as the
7th century BC, the town was settled permanently by Berber tribes
in the first century AD. The view across the wild, untamed Atlantic,
the 'Iles Purpuraires' and the score of blue fishing boats bobbing
in the harbour is both panoramic and enchanting.
In the 19th century, as the solitary free trade
zone on the Moroccan coast, Essaouira was the only town in the country
to have a Jewish community that outnumbered the Muslim one. Apart
from its charming mix of Portuguese, Berber and French architecture,
and its beautiful setting, it is this unique sense of tolerance,
coupled with a laid-back atmosphere, which makes Essaouira so appealing.
Dye works
The city's name is derived from the lavender colouring of the natural
dye works that have been a vital activity on the nearby 'Purple
Islands' for centuries. Products dyed according to this natural
process are sought after.
Portuguese fort
When the Portuguese established a commercial presence here in the
16th century, they built a fort and naval base at the entrance of
the harbour and proceeded to control Mogador, as they called the
town, for over a century. The Portuguese fort still stands.
Harbour
The ancient harbour of Essaouira still bustles with a lively fishing
market, sardine and pilchard canneries, scores of brightly coloured
wooden fishing boats bobbing on the water and the traditional shipyards
where they continue to be built to a centuries-old method.
Artists' colony
The maze of winding alleyways that make up Essaouira's old quarter
have long been a favourite of local and international artists, who
find inspiration here to produce their best work.
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| Surfing in Morocco |
Surfing is not the first thing you would associate
with Morocco, but the deep waters and strong currents produce the
kind of waves that draw surfers to the long stretches of beach,
which were once the haunt of hippies and rock stars alike.
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