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Tangier (طنجة), Morocco

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Tangier, MoroccoTangier, Morocco
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tanger1.JPG
authorshipHedwig Storch
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Tangier (طنجة) is a city on the northernmost part of Morocco. It is on the southern coast of the Strait of Gibraltar. 12 km to the west of the city is Cape Spartel, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier presently has a population exceeding 700,000 (2011 estimate).

Due to its strategic location, the area around Tangier has been settled for millenia. There was a settlement here established by the Carthaginian colonists in the early 5th century BC. Through its long history, it has been settled and ruled by different peoples, including Berbers, Phonecians, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese and others.

Medina of TangierMedina of Tangier
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authorshipEntropy1963
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Tangier fell to the Portuguese in 1471. Between 1580 and 1640 it also came under Spanish rule, due to the Iberian Union between Portugal and Spain. Eventually it was given to King Charles II of England as part of the dowry from the Portugese Infanta Catherine of Braganza.

In 1679, Sultan Moulay Ismail blockaded Tangier until he got the English to withdraw from the town. Before departing the town, the English destroyed the town and its port facilities. Once he took over the town, Moulay Ismail reconstructed some of the facilities, but by then the importance of Tangier was declining.

St Andrew's Anglican Church, TangierSt Andrew's Anglican Church, Tangier
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authorshipCosmos45
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When Morocco was partitioned between France and Spain in 1912, its sultan Moulay Hafid was forced into exile at the Sultanate Palace in the Tangier Kasbah. In 1923 Tangier was made an international zone jointly controlled by France, Spain and Britain. At the start of the Second World War, Spanish troops occupied Tangier just as Paris fell to the Nazis and remained until 31 August, 1945, when Tangier's international zone status was restored. In 1956 the city joined the rest of Morocco when the latter gained full independence.

Visiting Tangier

Many visitors to Tangier arrive by way of ferry from Tarifa in Spain. There is a ferry every two hours. You can also fly to the city, arriving at the Tangier-Ibn Batouta Airport (TNG), located some 12 km (7.5 mi) from the city center. The airport is served by Royal Air Maroc, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair, among others. From the airport, a taxi ride to the city center costs 100 Dh.

Street in TangierStreet in Tangier
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authorshipSvilen Enev
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Places of Interest in Tangier

  1. Ancien Palais du Mendoub
    Historic building used by the Mendoub, the sultan's representative, for receptions.

  2. Anglican Church of St Andrew
    Church built in 1894 for the use of the British population in Tangier.

  3. Avenue Pasteur
    One of the main streets in the new town of Tangier. Among the sights here include the Grand Synagogue and the Gran Teatro Cervantes.

  4. Bay of Tangier
    A crescent-shaped bay lined by a beach and a coastal road, the Avenue d'Espagne.

  5. Café Hafa
    Renowned cafe that first opened in 1921 and still retaining its furniture and décor. Many foreign celebrities have paid it a visit.

  6. Colline du Charf
    Hill over Tangier that provides a scenic view of the city below.

  7. Fondation Lorin
    Gallery housed in a former synagogue displaying newspapers, photographs and posters related to local happenings of Tangier.

  8. Fondouk Chejra
    Also called the Poor Man's Souq, this is a bazaar specializing in shops selling fabric.

  9. Galerie d'Art Contemporain Mohammed Drissi
    Gallery named in honor of Moroccan artist Mohammed Drissi (1946-2003) hosts regular exhibits by local and international artists.

  10. Grand Mosque of Tangier
    Mosque erected over the site originally occupied by the Portuguese cathedral, dating from the time of Moulay Ismail.

  11. Grand Socco
    Now called Place du 9 Avril 1947, this is a square between the new town and the medina. It was renamed to commemorate the speech made by Mohammed V in support of independence.

  12. Kasbah of Tangier
    The citadel built during the Portuguese rule of Tangier. This well preserved medieval neighborhood has high walls and gates.

  13. Kasbah Mosque
    Mosque with an octagonal minaret within the Tangier Kasbah.

  14. Musée Archéologique
    Museum housed in Dar el Makhzen, the palace of the 17th century ruler Ahmed ben Ali, showcasing the local artifacts from prehistoric times to the 19th century.

  15. Musée de Carmen-Macein
    A private museum in the Tangier Kasbah showcsing works by Picasso, Max Ernst and Georges Braque.

  16. Petit Socco
    A country market on the site that was originally a Roman forum.

  17. Place de France
    Watering hole for the locals of Tangier, this square has also attracted diplomants and famous foreign visitors.

  18. Quartier du Marshan
    Turn of the century neighborhood to the west of the Kasbah favored by high officials and the ruling class.

  19. Ramparts of Tangier
    Coastal fortification with view of the sea, the port and strait.

  20. Rue de la Liberté
    One of the main streets of Tangier, running from the Grand Socco to the new town.

  21. Rue Es-Siaghine
    Lively street lined with cafés and shops, this was once the main street during Roman times.

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