Rabat - Through a small hole in the protective Kasbah, one can see the Mediterranean, the southern coast of Spain, and enormous yellow cranes used for construction on the waterfront. This image captures the essence of Tangier: a city deeply rooted in the past, connected to Europe, while being highly focused on development.
Tangier’s cosmopolitan atmosphere exists partly due to the splitting of Morocco between France and Spain in 1912, when European countries established the important economic city as an international zone controlled by France, Spain, and Britain together.
As the gate to Africa from Europe, Tangier was and remains a home for people of diverse religions, ethnic origins, nationalities, socioeconomic circles, and interests. The city was also a hub of inspiration and creation for the Beat Generation Artists in the mid-20th century, including “Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet” and more according to the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
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Picture of Gardens: An old garden preserved in the Kasbah Museum.[/caption]
However, in recent years Tangier witnessed an unprecedented development. The key economic center includes enterprises like the Tangier Free Trade Areas, established in 1999, allowing trade through these centers to avoid legislation on foreign exchange. In consequence, it created 47,000 jobs in 10 years and attracted the new Renault factory which constituted a one billion euro investment that employs over 36,000 people.
Presently, one can witness the construction of a marina, aimed to increase economic trade, modernize the port, and create more ferry transport. The 6.2 billion dirham project will be funded by the company Sabt, the Moroccan government, and the Hassan II fund. The project will include a shopping center, business offices, and entertainment complexes.
In Tangier, you can stand on an old street in the medina where people have walked for thousands of years while watching the filming of a new Hollywood blockbuster. After climbing up to peer over the protective walls of the Kasbah, one can see the construction of ports meant to invite, rather than prevent foreign visitors. One street away from an 800-year-old banyan tree, there exists a Spanish style square complete with bars, cafés, and grand fountains. It is in these beautiful contradictions that one truly senses the history and beauty of Tangier and its economic and historical importance to Morocco and the world.
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