Todays Image • Seagulls Essaouira, Morocco

Seagulls walk the sea wall in front of the fortified city of Essaouira

On the northwest coast of Morocco is the Atlantic coastal city of Essaouira that’s a popular beach resort of historic importance. Essaouira’s history goes back at least 2,500 years, with the first mention found in the 5th century BC. It became a trading post, later fortified with a medina and expanded by King Juba II. The Portuguese expanded the fortress there in the 16th century, when the city was known as Mogador. In the 18th century, Sultan Mohammed III commissioned the construction of a modern port.

A Moroccan medina is a historic district found in many Moroccan cities, often located inside a walled area and characterized by narrow, winding streets, with vibrant souks. These medinas often feature a blend of Islamic and Berber influences, showcasing intricate tile work, ornate doorways, and bustling public squares or souk. A Moroccan souk is a traditional open-air market, a central hub of daily life in Moroccan cities and towns. Souks are not just shopping destinations but also social gathering place.


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