Essaouira

First discovered by the Phonecians, then conquored by the Portuguese and finally the French. Time however had erased evidence of the very early civilizations by the time the French arrived, with the exception of the fortress with its cannons,and other structures in the port area. These fortifications were constructed by Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah who then founded the city of Essaouira in 1772, later to be updated by the French. The port was fortified to protect the area with a view to waging war on the Portuguese but this never happened as the Portuguese finally gave up their last fortress at El Jadida. Under his reign Morocco was the first country to declare the Independence of America. President George Washington sent him a 'thank you' letter and invited him to sign a friendship agreement between the two countries.

Essaouira and Mogador are one and the same as the names have switched back and forth over the centuries. Essaouira could, once again,become 'Mysterious Mogador'.The bustling fishing port has had a history of importance, but to-day Agadir and Casablanca leave Essaouira to the fishermen and the many seagulls.

Centuries ago the port of Essaouira/Mogador was important to the slave trade. Slaves were brought from Central and West Africa by way of Timbuktu across the Sahara desert to Essaouira where they were dispatched by boat to foreign lands. The slaves, however, left a legacy - their music - Gnawa (Gnaoua), which can still be heard to-day in Essaouira. Each year, at the end of June, there is a festival of Gnawa music attracting up to 10,000 people.

'YOURS TO DISCOVER' -LET'S GET PHYSICAL-

There is much to see and do in Essaouira, especially if you are into surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing etc., - for is this not called the 'Wind city of Afrika"? For more land based activities there are the sedate camel rides, or maybe canter down the beach and into the surf on one of the many horses at your disposal. Maybe the Quads (dune buggies) take your fancy? If a more leisurely activity is preferred there is the newly opened golf course........or just plain relaxing at a beach cafe enjoying your favorite beverage and watching the world go by.

'YOURS TO DISCOVER - THE OLD MEDINA -

Although called the 'old medina' it is new compared to such ancient cities as Fes. It has many large squares, some fringed with cafes and restaurants - ideal to hang out and people watch. But.....if you are into shopping then 'let's go!'

Colorful woven fabrics catch your eye as you walk by; they are hard to resist and take up little room in your suitcase. Beautiful carvings from the thya trees right down to the small carved jewelry boxes. The prices are so reasonable it is a shame to bargain! There are the wonderful lamp shades made of parchment-like goat skin. Don't forget the 'funky foundry' where metal is twisted into all shapes to create wondrous works of arts, even old bicycle chains become life like crocodiles or aligators!!! And......there is so much more - yours to discover.

'YOURS TO DISCOVER - GETTING AROUND -

A walk along the beach at sundown from the area where the camels and horses are to the old medina, then dine in one of the many restaurants there makes a perfect ending to a perfect day. However, if walking is not on your agenda for the evening then flag down one of the many petit taxis buzzing around. You can go anywhere in Essaouira for the price of 6 dh or 7 dh after 8pm. Imagine...less than one dollar!

'YOURS TO DISCOVER - FOR THE MUSIC LOVER -

The three main music festivals held annually here are....

PRINTEMPS MUSICAL DES ALIZES - held at the end of April.

GNOUA MUSIC FESTIVAL - held at the end of June.

FESTIVAL DES ANDALOUSIES - held at the end of October