THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 7

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Essaouira fishermen seem to have a special connection with the port cats, giving them fine cuts of fish, along with the odd chin stroke. 

The leftovers – which a cat might usually be expected to eat – are for the seagulls.

With their bellies full the cats have a siesta on a bed of soft fishing nets, away from the wind.

Anyone want to swap places?

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 6

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Why? 

Probably because they have certainty in life: a daily supply of more fresh fish than they could ever eat. 

Sardines, barracudas, eels – if it swims, the fishermen will sell it. 

And the cats are taking advantage.

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 5

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

At Essaouira’s port lives possibly the happiest cat colony in Morocco. 

Well fed and completely relaxed, its inhabitants are quite a contrast to their counterparts across the rest of the country.

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 4

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

One thing that’s rarely mentioned in guides to Essaouira, however, is its status as unofficial cat nirvana. 

Here, on the shores of the tempestuous Atlantic, is a place that offers true joy for felines – and their adoring human friends.

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 3

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

A charming coastal town, with none of the chaos that you’ll find in busier Moroccan cities, 

Essaouira has long been known for its surfing culture and the quality of its seafood restaurants.

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 2

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

And while Istanbul, Rome and places further afield jostle for status as “travel cat” heaven, 

laidback Essaouira is quietly making things happen organically.

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 1

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

There are two types of people who go on holiday. 

Those who go straight for the local cats, and the misguided few who don’t.

ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO -- 5

FAMOUS FISHING BOATS

The smaller blue boats go out for fishing when the wind is blowing little from north and there are no high waves.

The fish is sold in the port market.

Several market stands grill fresh fin and shellfish and serve them with salad, fries, French bread and beverages to tourists and locals.

--https://www.essaouira.nu

ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO -- 4

FAMOUS FISHING BOATS

By 1950, the port of Essaouira was the most important for Sardines in Morocco.

Also for export of cereals.

Today the port is non-commercial except for fishing and ship maintenance.

The waters are not deep enough for bigger ships.

--https://www.essaouira.nu

ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO -- 3

FAMOUS FISHING BOATS

By 1780, the port was handling almost half of Morocco's international trade. 

Export items included ostrich feathers, almonds, gum arabic, ivory and dried camel skins (which were imported from sub-saharan Africa through the caravan trade.)

The British brought Manchester cotton and tea.

--https://www.essaouira.nu

ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO -- 2

FAMOUS FISHING BOATS

"The port was known as the “Port of Timbuktu ” because most African products for export ended up there.

Sultan Ben Abdellah promoted free trade policies by reducing customs and encouraging the settlement of rich merchants and Jewish people who handled trade with Christians.

A quarter for foreign merchants was also established.

--https://www.essaouira.nu

ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO -- 1

FAMOUS FISHING BOATS

It is said that the port of Essaouira was founded by the Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah to punish the city of Agadir, where rebellions against the leading power took place.

Soon after its foundation 1770 until the first half of the nineteenth century, the port was the most important trading port between Europe, Africa and the Americas. 

Mogador is the old port of Morocco but when Casablanca grew up to the North and Agadir to the South, it lost its status.

--https://www.essaouira.nu