Essaouira

End 15th century: The Portuguese found the city of Mogador, a military and commercial bridgehead for the western coast of Africa. 1541: The Portuguese lose...See more » End 15th century: The Portuguese found the city of Mogador, a military and commercial bridgehead for the western coast of Africa. 1541: The Portuguese lose Mogador to local tribesmen. The city goes into decline. 1765: Sultan Sidi Muhammad ibn Abdallah gets the French architect Theodore Cornut to draw up a city suitable for foreign traders as well as military purposes. The name Essaouira is introduced. 19th century: Essaouira is the only port on the coast open to Europeans, and free of duty. 1912: With the French protectorate, the name, Mogador, is reintroduced. The city's importance declines as much activity is moved to Casablanca. 1956: Independence, the Moroccan name, Essaouira, being reintroduced. The Jewish community leaves and the economy is reduced to fishing and local trade at the town market.See less »