The history of Tetouan in Morocco
For some time I had been planning to make an entry of these characteristics. Because, being objective, although we already have some entries behind us and I have tried to give diversity to the blog, it still lacks something. Yes, we have talked about various aspects of the cities, such as practical guides on where to eat, or a list of the best places to visit. We have even talked about some traditional activities that take place in these cities. Dear readers, I think it is the right time to do so. I think the time has come to talk about history, starting with the history of Tetouan in Morocco.
Don’t run away, please! … Okay, I know it’s scary. Hearing the word “history” has made many of you want to run away. No wonder: I also suffered for a few years with the subject. But the suffering became restlessness the day I came across a good history teacher. One who didn’t so much talk about dates and names as about strategies and conflicts of interest. Because, after all, that’s what history is all about.
I only ask that you be patient and read to the end. I promise not to overwhelm you with dates and names (in fact, I won’t even give one of either). The information I will give you will be only what is necessary to reach a basic understanding of the current situation of the city. So let’s start with the history of Tetouan:
The geographical identity of Tetouan in Morocco
When talking about the development of a city, one of the characteristics that are usually discussed is the geographical situation of the city. In the case of Tetouan, not only is it not important but it could be said to be the main responsible for all the subsequent development of the city.
What geographical characteristics of Tetouan made it relevant. Its proximity to the sea and the fact that it was crossed by a navigable river. This, which in principle may seem trivial, meant that the city acquired great importance. Both as a strategic military objective and in commercial terms (due to the maritime traffic that could cross it).
Conclusions of all this? You will now discover them step by step.
The history of Tetouan in Morocco: The time when it was constantly under attack
We tiptoe through the oldest history of the city, with references to Phoenician and Roman civilizations. And go straight to the 14th century. It was then that Tetouan began to take on an identity. Settling over a Berber population and being used as a refuge and rearguard for troops. Mainly because of its proximity to the Portuguese colony of Ceuta.
In what situation does this leave Tetouan? In that of being a very important strategic point and, consequently, a military objective. To make matters worse, the pirates, because of the maritime traffic it represented, saw in the city a unique opportunity for sabotage. Conclusion? Until the end of the 15th century, it was the object of several attacks until it was finally razed to the ground by the Portuguese.
The time when it served as a refuge
It was during the 15th and 16th centuries that the identity of the city changed. Becoming a refuge, mainly for Muslims and Jews. Moreover, thanks to the technical knowledge acquired, they managed to rebuild and refortify it. Besides, placing it on the globe as an important trading point. But, as had happened previously, piracy was again at work, so the Spanish decided to blockade the port of entry to Tetouan (Martial) to prevent further sabotage.
The era of the Spanish presence in Morocco and Tetouan
During the 17th century, the city continued to gain autonomy, building its defensive walls and. In the middle of that century, and after certain ups and downs in its commercial relations with Spain. It was finally conquered by the latter (supposedly with the intention of protecting the city of Ceuta) to, at first, return it to Morocco and then turn it into the capital of its protectorate until Morocco finally achieved its independence in the middle of the following century.
One of the main consequences of all this was that the city absorbed a great Spanish conscience. And not only because it became a protectorate for a time. It must be taken into account that in these four centuries there were numerous contacts between Spaniards and citizens of Tetouan. Citizens who had been isolated for all this time. But whose descendants were from the peninsula and who even spoke a variety of Spanish (Judeo-Spanish).
Tetouan in Morocco today
At this point, many of you will ask yourselves the need to know the history of Tetouan in order to understand it today. And it is now that the teacher in me tells you: you can only understand the city today if you know its history.
Let’s review: the city, in the first period, was a military strategic point and a refuge. In a second period, it received a strong Spanish influence and, finally, it gained its independence.
What can you distinguish if we look at an aerial photo of the city? It seems easily recognizable the medina (in orange), a widening (in blue), and finally another more peripheral area. Can you guess to which period of the history of Tetouan corresponds to each part?
Starting with the medina, its main characteristics, in addition to the typical sinuosity, are that it is almost entirely walled (remember the defensive development during the 17th century). And has references not only to the Muslim culture but also to the Spanish and Jewish cultures. With a neighborhood belonging to the latter in the southeastern part of the medina.
With respect to the widening, fruit of the Spanish intervention and influence. It stands out for its marked grid, the result of strong planning. In this widening, the presence of cultural buildings is predominant. As a result of the push that Spain wanted to give to the city as the capital of its protectorate.
The Neighborhoods in Tetouan Morocco
Finally, we have the expansion neighborhoods, built after the independence of Morocco, where urban development occurs in a much more spontaneous way, being especially evident in the difference of urban fabric with respect to the widening. In addition, it is necessary to take into account that there was an exodus of the rural population to the city, multiplying the population of Tetouan by five and causing it, necessarily, had to grow in an improvised way.
What seemed to you before a tangle of lines and curves without sense, commonly called map. Do you now begin to understand its meaning?
In socio-cultural terms, it is noteworthy that Spanish has traditionally been retained as a second language (although it is also true that in the younger generations the use of Spanish is decreasing. Mainly due to the global use of French in the country as the main alternative to the official languages). There are even Spanish schools of different levels in the city and some street signs and stores are written in that language. However, this has sometimes been seen as a symptom of a certain autonomist sentiment; and so. For example, the province of Tetouan was subjected to an economic boycott during the mid-20th century.
This no longer represents a conflict today: let us remember that Morocco has been developing an open-minded attitude for some time. In fact, the Moroccan government intends to offer a baccalaureate in Spanish.
Well, so much for today’s entry on the history of Tetouan, wasn’t it a big deal? And now, every time you see an aerial photo or a map of the city you will be able to understand and recognize every part of it. I hope you have found it educational and, above all, enjoyable.
If you want to know more about the city, visit our guide with all the information about Tetouan.
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