|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
Essaouira
Essaouira, Morocco Amougdoul, Mogador An ancient port, its original name may have been taken from the Phoenician migdol ‘Lookout Tower’. Mogador was a corruption of a Berber word for ‘safe anchorage’, although it has been suggested that it is a corruption of the Berber Magdoul, the name of a holy man buried here. It was refounded in 1765 by the new sultan, Sīdī Muhammad, who wanted to make it a commercial port to compete with Agadir; it was given its present name at the same time. This comes from the Arabic as‐saouīra ‘Little Ramparts’ or ‘Little Fort’ from a diminutive of sūr ‘wall’, indicating a fortification here. During the period of French rule it was called Mogador but the present name was readopted in 1956 when Morocco gained its independence.
|
|
|
Cite this article
JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Essaouira." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Essaouira." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 25, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Essaouira.html JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Essaouira." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Retrieved May 25, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Essaouira.html |
|
Essaouira
Essaouira , city, W Morocco, on the Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira's pleasant climate and picturesque location, buildings, and ruins have made it a tourist resort. Fishing and cabinetry and wood carving are also economically important. The modern city was founded in 1760 by Sultan Muhammad ibn-Abdullah. In 1844 the French bombarded the city to force Morocco to stop supporting Abd al-Kader , leader of an Algerian resistance movement. The city declined when Agadir was opened to foreign trade in the 20th cent. The city is a center of Gnawa music, a religious music traditionally used in healing ceremonies that mixes Berber, Arabic, and African elements. Essaouira was formerly called Mogador. |
|
|
Cite this article
"Essaouira." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Essaouira." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 25, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Essaouir.html "Essaouira." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Essaouir.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
