Port Essaouira, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
Soon after its foundation 1770 until the first half of the nineteenth century, the port was the most important trading port between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Mogador is the old port of Morocco but when Casablanca grew up to the North and Agadir to the South, it lost its status. The port has been enlarged several times since then. The most important 1915 and between 1924 and 1967.
“The port was known as the “ Port of Timbuktu ” because most African products for export ended up there, including slaves. Sultan Ben Abdellah promoted free trade policies by reducing customs and encouraging the settlement of rich merchants and Jews to handle trade with Christians. A quarter for foreign merchants was also established.
By 1780, the port was handling almost half of Morocco ‘s international trade. Export items included ostrich feathers, almonds, gum arabic, ivory and dried camel skins, while the British brought Manchester cotton and tea.”
Epic Morocco Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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