Another Portuguese fort with a grandiose cistern - Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) 1058
What and Why
El Jadida (Tamazight: ⴰⵍ-ⵊⴰⴷⵉⴷⴰ), old name Mazagan, was registered as a UNESCO WHS in 2004 CE, on the basis of its status as an 'outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures' and as an 'early example of the realisation of the Renaissance ideals integrated with Portuguese construction technology'.
The city was seized by the Portuguese in the early 16th century CE and they built a citadel in 1514 CE as a new sea route sentinel in the region and Asia. The Portuguese would continue to control the city until mid-18th century CE when they abandoned it, then called Mazagão, as their last territory in Morocco (ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ, Lmeɣrib). The city was then abandoned until the 18th century CE when certain ruined portions of the city were rebuilt. The reinvigorated city was renamed El Jadida (Arabic: مازيغن) meaning 'the new' and because of the Portuguese occupation, it is still very un-moorish. The city has become a favourite beach-side resort and holiday destination. It is known for its historical significance, especially the legacy of Portuguese rule and its vibrant, modern cultural life. El Jadida is a fascinating mix of Moroccan traditions and European influences, seen in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life. The narrow streets and bustling souks within the Medina are a testament to traditional Moroccan urban life, with vibrant markets selling spices, textiles, and local handicrafts.
Toponymy
Ditto, it simply means 'new' in Arabic.
See
According to Wikivoyage, the town is famous for the remains of Portuguese buildings and the cistern. Even the most dedicated historian may find the city bland.
Cité Portugaise (ⴰⵙⴽⴽⵉⵍ ⵏ ⵜⴼⵉⵏⴰⵖ)
Meaning Portuguese city in French, Cité Portugaise (ⴰⵙⴽⴽⵉⵍ ⵏ ⵜⴼⵉⵏⴰⵖ) is a star-shaped fortress which is very unmoorish and is a typical European fortress reflective of the Renaissance era.
The fortress with its ditch and inclined ramparts is one of the first to employ Portuguese technology of new architecture and weaponry. El-Jadida is better preserved than other Portuguese fortifications in Morocco; most of the other Portuguese trading posts in the world having suffered many changes.
The fortifications, including the bastions and gates, offer a glimpse into the strategic military architecture of the time. These walls protected the city from attacks and provide a remarkable historical setting.
The tiny medina is shown below.
Citerne (ⵙⵉⵜⴻⵔⵏⴻ)
The Citerne (ⵙⵉⵜⴻⵔⵏⴻ) is an underground vault with a unique, eerie atmosphere. Right at the heart of the bastion sits a former warehouse or armoury which was converted into a cistern to prevent flooding during the 16th century CE. The moorish underground chamber was constructed with five rows of five stone pillars and is famous for its ever-changing reflections from the little light from the ceiling hole, on the shallow layer of water, which creates stunning photographic opportunities. An unbelievable and unmissable photospot. The must-visit and signature of El-Jadida.
Buy and Do
El Jadida is also known for its beautiful beaches, with sandy shores and clean waters ideal for swimming and relaxing. The main beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, water sports, or simply enjoying the picturesque coastal views.
Eat and Drink
Rick's Cafe (ⴽⴰⴼⵉ ⵏ ⵔⵉⴽ)
El Jadida is just 100 km south from the main city Casablanca (ⴰⵏⴼⴰ, Anfa) and we had dinner with the hugely popular Rick's Cafe (ⴽⴰⴼⵉ ⵏ ⵔⵉⴽ) which is the restaurant featuring the famous Humphrey Bogart's city-namesake movie Casablanca. The restaurant was only reconstructed in 2004 CE, and has absolutely nothing to do with the movie. However for some reason it has garnered a lot of attention as it recreates the central bar area of the movie. Unfortunately the front desk service is really rude, although the food quality, food service and atmosphere made up for the night.
Casablanca as you can imagine means the white city in Spanish, while the Berber name Anfa is the ancient name of the city meaning 'the top'.
Travel Suggestions and Logistics
El Jadida is worth a half-day seaside walking visit from Casablanca. The entrance fee to the cistern is MAD 10 Dh. El Jadida is just one hour drive away from Casablanca. Aside from the above landmarks the city itself is rather bland.
UNESCO Inscription
The Portuguese fortification of Mazagan, now part of the city of El Jadida, 90-km southwest of Casablanca, was built as a fortified colony on the Atlantic coast in the early 16th century. It was taken over by the Moroccans in 1769. The fortification with its bastions and ramparts is an early example of Renaissance military design. The surviving Portuguese buildings include the cistern and the Church of the Assumption, built in the Manueline style of late Gothic architecture. The Portuguese City of Mazagan - one of the early settlements of the Portuguese explorers in West Africa on the route to India - is an outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures, well reflected in architecture, technology, and town planning.
References
Comments
Please share your thoughts and comments about the blog. If you need suggestions to build a travel itinerary, please let me know. More than willing to help. I would also like to build a bespoke-in-depth travel community around UNESCO WHS and ICH.
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