Tangier
Tangier, also called Tangiers; Arabic: طنجة , Amazigh (Berber): ⵟⴰⵏⵊⴰ, is a beautiful city in the northwest part of Morocco. The city is concidered to be the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel (See cap Spartel in this video: https://youtu.be/y7vWimGSGC4). The town is the capital of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region (following the new devision system of the kingdom).
You may take a Look inside Tanger in this Youtube video below:
And here is a shorter version with a moroccan song about Tanger:
History:
The History of Tangier is very interesting, because of its unique location it was always a target to conquer for many empires since the beginning of mankind. It was founded as a Phoenician colony, as early as the 10th century BC (possibly) and almost certainly by the 8th century BC. It went from there to the The Carthaginians that added it to their empire around the 5th century BC. next Tangier got under the rule of the Mauretanian kings, followed by the Romans. The Greeks knew this town as Tingis, Legend says that Tinjis that is the daughter of Atlas, slept with Hercules and bore him the son Syphax. After Tinjis' death, Syphax founded the port and named it in her honour. The story goes on by telling that Hercules took a rest on Cape Spartel during his labors in what's called now "Cave of Hercules" (Watch video of Hercules cave here: https://youtu.be/y7vWimGSGC4)..
In Modern History Tangier fell under many reigns:
- Portugal 1471–1580
- Spain 1580-1640
- Portugal 1640-1661
- England 1661–1684
- Morocco 1684–1912
- Spain 1912–1924
Economy:
Tangiers is the second most important industrial centre in Morocco after Casablanca. With many industrial sectors but mainly textile and metallurgical industries.. recently four industrial parks were built in Tangier. Two of them have the status of free economic zone, which brought many foreign investment to the aria and created thousands of stable jobs.
It is known that Tangier's economy relies basically on tourism. Heavy investments have been made in tourist infrastructures by real estate and construction companies. A bay in the city that extends for more than 7 km (4 mi). Some very large construction projects were completed back in 2008; including the Tangier-Mediterranean port (called Tanger-Med) and its industrial parks, a 45,000-seat sports stadium, an expanded business district, and a renovated tourist infrastructure.
The building of the port Tanger-Med had as goal to create 120,000 new jobs, 20,000 at the port and 100,000 resulting from growing economic activity.
Landmarks:
- Dar el Makhzen (Sultan's palace), built on the site of the former English Upper Castle
- Ancien Palais du Mendoub
- Perdicaris Parc, for Jon Perdicaris
- Sidi Bou Abib Mosque
- Tangier Grand Mosque
- Church of the Immaculate Conception
- Anglican Church of St. Andrew
- Plaza de Toros (bullring arena)
- Gran Teatro Cervantes
- Tangier American Legation Museum
- Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Fondation Lorin
- Musée de Carmen-Macein
- Grand Socco, the grand souk and square
- Petit Socco, the little souk
- Casabarata Souk, a giant flea market
- Hotel Continental
- Rue Es-Siaghine
- Rue de la Liberté
- Avenue Pasteur
- Avenue Mohammed VI beach
- Parc de la Mendoubia
- Marshan Quarter
- Charf Hill
- Café Hafa
