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 -- 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