Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is an ancient port town on the Atlantic shores of Morocco, gateway to the inland trade routes across north Africa and gateway to the rest of the world out to sea. The Phoenicians first set up shop for what we recognize as full scale sea faring in about 800 B.C. Over the millenium sailors have dealt with Berber, Taureg and other nomadic peoples from the Atlas Mountains, Sahara and further afield to Timbuktu. By 700 A.D. the Arabs arrived, conquered all of north Africa, brought Muslim rule to the area and never looked back. Fortunately for Essaouira and the rest of Morocco a tamer brand of Islam is practiced in most parts, and trade is still the major driving influence of daily activities, beliefs and friendships. As my dad informed me Morocco was the first nation to formally recognize the United States soon after the Declaration of Independence. And Morocco quietly still supports the west in it's efforts throughout the Middle East.
Dec 28, 2007
Photos: 38
