Past Cities

Agadir, Souss-Massa, Morocco

Agadir is a major city located in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco. It is a modern and vibrant city that has a rich history that dates back centuries. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and stunning architecture.

Agadir was originally a small fishing village that was inhabited by the Berber people. The Berbers were a group of indigenous people who lived in North Africa for thousands of years before the arrival of the Arabs. They were known for their unique culture, language, and way of life. The Berbers of Agadir were skilled fishermen and traders who made their living from the sea.

In the 15th century, Agadir was conquered by the Portuguese who established a trading post in the city. They built a fortress on top of a hill overlooking the city, which still stands today as a reminder of their presence. The Portuguese were interested in Agadir because of its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean, which made it an important port for trade.

In the 16th century, Agadir was conquered by the Saadi dynasty, which was a powerful Berber dynasty that ruled over Morocco from 1554 to 1659. The Saadi dynasty was known for its military prowess and its ability to unite the various Berber tribes under its rule. During their reign, Agadir became a thriving center for trade and commerce.

In the 19th century, Agadir was once again conquered by the Europeans, this time by the French. The French were interested in Agadir because of its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean, which made it an important port for trade. They built a modern port and railway system, which helped to boost the city's economy.

In 1911, the city was the site of a major international crisis known as the Agadir Crisis. The crisis arose when Germany tried to assert its influence over Morocco, which was then under the control of France. The crisis was resolved when Germany agreed to recognize France's control over Morocco in exchange for a small strip of land in the Congo.

In 1960, Agadir was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed over 15,000 people and destroyed much of the city's infrastructure. The city was rebuilt with the help of the international community, which donated money and resources to help the city recover.

Today, Agadir is a modern and vibrant city that is home to over 600,000 people. It is a major center for tourism, trade, and commerce, and has a thriving economy. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and stunning architecture. Its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean has made it an important port for trade, and its modern infrastructure has helped to make it a major economic hub in the region.

Agadir, Souss-Massa, Morocco is a city with a rich history that dates back centuries. Its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean has made it an important port for trade, and its modern infrastructure has helped to make it a major economic hub in the region. Despite the challenges it has faced over the years, Agadir has emerged as a modern and vibrant city that is home to a diverse and thriving population.