Safi, Morocco: Difference between revisions
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Safi (Arabic: آسَفي, romanized: ʾāsafī; Berber: ⴰⵙⴼⵉ, romanized: Asfi; Moroccan Darija: آسْفِي, romanized: Asfi; Portuguese: Safim) is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Safi Province and the former Doukkala-Abda region, with a population of 308,508 inhabitants (2014 census). |
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'''Safi''' or '''Asfi''' ({{lang-ar|آسفي|ʾāsafī}}) is a city in western [[Morocco]] on the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. It is the capital of [[Safi Province|Asfi Province]]. It recorded a population of 308,508 in the [[2014 Moroccan census]].<ref name=census2014/> The city was occupied by the [[Portuguese Empire]] from 1488 to 1541, was the center of Morocco's [[weaving]] industry, and became a ''fortaleza'' of the Portuguese Crown in 1508.<ref>{{cite book | title = A History of Portuguese Overseas Expansion 1400–1668 | last = Newitt | first = Malyn | publisher = Routledge | date = November 5, 2004 | page = 66 | isbn = 9781134553044 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HDODAgAAQBAJ }}</ref> Safi is the main fishing port for the country's [[sardine]] industry, and also exports [[phosphate]]s, textiles and [[Pottery|ceramics]]. During the [[Second World War]], Safi was the site of [[Operation Blackstone]], one of the landing sites for [[Operation Torch]]. |
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The city was occupied by the Portuguese Empire (1488-1541). The fortress built to protect the city under Portuguese rule still stands today. During World War II, Safi was also one of the landing sites for Operation Torch. |
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Safi is the main fishing port in the country and also an export port for phosphate, textiles, and ceramics. In Safi, a second port exclusively for phosphate trade and a thermal power plant are under construction. The power plant will eventually cover 25% of Morocco's electricity needs. |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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Revision as of 14:18, 21 June 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2009) |
Safi
آسفي (Arabic) | |
|---|---|
 Safi city | |
 Coat of arms | |
  Safi Location in Morocco  Safi Safi (Africa) | |
| Coordinates: 32°17′N 9°14′W / 32.283°N 9.233°W | |
| Country |  Morocco |
| Region | Marrakesh-Safi |
| Province | Safi |
| Area | |
| • Total | 34 km2 (13 sq mi) |
| Population (2014)[1] | |
| • Total | 308,508 |
| • Rank | 13th in Morocco |
Safi (Arabic: آسَفي, romanized: ʾāsafī; Berber: ⴰⵙⴼⵉ, romanized: Asfi; Moroccan Darija: آسْفِي, romanized: Asfi; Portuguese: Safim) is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Safi Province and the former Doukkala-Abda region, with a population of 308,508 inhabitants (2014 census).
The city was occupied by the Portuguese Empire (1488-1541). The fortress built to protect the city under Portuguese rule still stands today. During World War II, Safi was also one of the landing sites for Operation Torch.
Safi is the main fishing port in the country and also an export port for phosphate, textiles, and ceramics. In Safi, a second port exclusively for phosphate trade and a thermal power plant are under construction. The power plant will eventually cover 25% of Morocco's electricity needs.
Etymology
11th-century geographer Muhammad al-Idrisi gave an explanation to the origin the name "Aasafi" as he linked it to the Arabic word "Asaf" (regret); Asafi (my regret). He based this claim on a strange story about some sailors from al-Andalus who sailed to discover the other end of the Atlantic Ocean but got lost and landed on some island where the natives captured them and sent them back on their ships blindfolded. The ships eventually ended on the shores of "Safi" and locals helped the lost sailors and told them that they were two months away from their native land al-Andalus. Upon hearing this one of the sailors responded by saying: "Wa asafi" (Oh my regret). Al-Idrisi wrote that from that time the city carried the name "Aasafi".[2]
Climate
Safi has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh).
| Climate data for Safi (1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 30.3 (86.5) |
32.0 (89.6) |
36.0 (96.8) |
37.7 (99.9) |
40.5 (104.9) |
45.8 (114.4) |
46.4 (115.5) |
46.5 (115.7) |
42.6 (108.7) |
38.3 (100.9) |
34.2 (93.6) |
27.4 (81.3) |
46.5 (115.7) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 18.7 (65.7) |
19.6 (67.3) |
21.5 (70.7) |
22.5 (72.5) |
24.3 (75.7) |
26.1 (79.0) |
29.1 (84.4) |
29.3 (84.7) |
27.5 (81.5) |
25.5 (77.9) |
22.2 (72.0) |
19.9 (67.8) |
23.8 (74.8) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 13.3 (55.9) |
14.3 (57.7) |
16.2 (61.2) |
17.5 (63.5) |
19.7 (67.5) |
22.0 (71.6) |
24.5 (76.1) |
24.8 (76.6) |
23.0 (73.4) |
20.9 (69.6) |
17.2 (63.0) |
14.8 (58.6) |
19.0 (66.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 7.9 (46.2) |
8.9 (48.0) |
10.9 (51.6) |
12.6 (54.7) |
15.1 (59.2) |
17.8 (64.0) |
19.7 (67.5) |
20.2 (68.4) |
18.6 (65.5) |
16.3 (61.3) |
12.2 (54.0) |
9.8 (49.6) |
14.2 (57.6) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −2.2 (28.0) |
−0.1 (31.8) |
2.9 (37.2) |
5.8 (42.4) |
6.0 (42.8) |
11.6 (52.9) |
14.7 (58.5) |
15.1 (59.2) |
11.1 (52.0) |
8.9 (48.0) |
2.3 (36.1) |
2.2 (36.0) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 55.8 (2.20) |
48.2 (1.90) |
41.2 (1.62) |
24.5 (0.96) |
14.8 (0.58) |
3.2 (0.13) |
0.6 (0.02) |
0.2 (0.01) |
5.0 (0.20) |
41.6 (1.64) |
68.7 (2.70) |
62.2 (2.45) |
366.0 (14.41) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 5.7 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 3.7 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 5.7 | 5.4 | 38.5 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 219.3 | 211.7 | 258.0 | 284.7 | 318.8 | 303.9 | 320.3 | 306.2 | 267.6 | 246.0 | 220.3 | 208.9 | 3,165.7 |
| Source 1: NCEI (sun, 1981-2010)[3] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: NOAA[4] | |||||||||||||
History
Foundation There is no precise information about the history and circumstances of the founding of the city of Safi in historical sources. Historians have various interpretations regarding the city's establishment. Historian Muhammad bin Abdul Muneim Al-Himyari attributed its founding to the Canaanites, while Hassan Al-Wazzan (Leo Africanus) suggested it was established by ancient African tribes. Additionally, Leon Codar considered it one of the five ports founded by Hanno the Carthaginian before Christ. The first documented tribes to settle in the area were the Amazigh (Berber) tribes of Masmouda.[5]
Islam
One of the most significant events in the city's history was the arrival of the Islamic leader Uqba ibn Nafi in 681 AD. He left his companion Shakir in the city to teach the Amazigh the Arabic language and Islamic teachings. This follower has a famous ribat (a fortified monastery) known today as Ribat Sidi Shakir, which scholars attend and where an annual festival is held.
The Barghawata
Yusuf ibn Tashfin led a campaign against the Barghawata, who ruled the city of Safi for about four centuries. They retreated to their last stronghold in Safi, where he ended their state and forced them to live dispersed throughout Morocco.[5]
Portuguese Colonization
The Portuguese made the port of Safi a center for exporting grains, sugar, and wool. The people of Safi resisted the Portuguese invaders, which explains the numerous tombs along the city's coast containing the remains of many mujahideen (fighters). Among them were Abu Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Sassi, Sidi Bou Shta Rkraki, Sheikh Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Suleiman Al-Jazouli—who chose to reside in Safi to lead jihad, with his ribat still present near the Sea Palace—Faqih Abdul Karim Al-Rkkraki, Ibn Al-Hassan Ali bin Ahmad bin Hassan Benkrara Al-Rkkraki, the mujahid "Mul Al-Barki," his brother Azzouz, Sidi Al-Ghazi, and Sidi Wasel.[citation needed]
Almoravids and Almohads
Historian Ahmed Benjelloun described the city of Safi as a diplomatic city inhabited by ambassadors and consuls, such as the Frenchman Guillaume Berard, representative of King Henry III of France to Mulay Abdul Malik. Also, Denmark's Consul George Horst, and John Mockey, a pharmacist to King Henry IV of France. British envoys would arrive in Safi before heading to Marrakech. The English sailor Harrison landed in the city to deliver a message from King Charles I of England to Mulay Abdullah. Thus, Safi became a diplomatic port where European ships docked to sign international agreements in the capital, Marrakech.[6] Throughout history, Safi was one of the most important Moroccan ports, witnessing famous scientific voyages. In the past, the Almoravids used it as a center to gather African gold caravans, which were transported by ships to Al-Andalus for coinage, making Safi the port of the Almoravid Empire. Safi was known for the righteous saint Abu Muhammad Saleh, the founder of the Moroccan Hajj caravan, who established his famous ribat in Safi and founded 46 ribats connecting Morocco with the East through pilgrimage. His ribat was not only a place for striving (jihad) but also a meeting place for scholars and students, making Safi renowned and attracting scholars from everywhere, including Lisan al-Din Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Qunfudh al-Qusantini, among others.[citation needed]
Alawite Dynasty
With the influx of a large English community into the city, the English established a trading post and later, in the 19th century, a warehouse to collect everything exported from Safi to England, located at the site currently known as Moulay Youssef Square.[7] Sugar from Chichaoua was one of the main products the city marketed to England. Safi also supplied Europe with the best Moroccan falcons, which contributed to the development of falconry. The city exported wax.[8] Under the Alawite dynasty, some people of Safi attained high positions. In 1721, the Ismaili court included a group of leaders headed by Muhammad bin Hado Attar, one of the greatest courtiers of Mulay Ismail. The Sultan sent him as an ambassador to England, where the English government awarded him a medal after he concluded a peace and trade agreement in 1682 AD.[9] The Sultans' interest in Safi increased, and they established a mint between 1716 and 1830, located at the site of the "Sidi Abu Al-Dhahab" shrine, according to Al-Kanouni, who said, "The mint dealt with gold and silver and was known as Dar Al-Dhahab."[10]
French Colonization
During the French colonization period, Safi resisted the colonizers through several armed organizations, including the Free Organization initiated by Abdullah Al-Nasiri, the Lions of Liberation Organization led by Al-Tayeb Al-Taqrashi, the Resistance and Liberation Organization chaired by Abdul Rahman Al-Kettani, the Secret Resistance Organization led by Muhammad bin Hada Al-Ridhawi, and the Blessed Hand Organization led by Faidi Al-Habib. Among the Safi residents who signed the Independence Document were Faqih Abdul Salam Al-Mastari, Muhammad Al-Baamrani, and Muhammad Balkhdir.[citation needed] During the French protectorate, a French publishing house was established in Casablanca, which issued a magazine called "Our Morocco" directed by Paul Bory. It dedicated one of its issues to the city of Safi in 1949, and then issued a second issue about Safi in 1953.[citation needed]
Population
The inhabitants are composed of Berber and Arab descendants.
The Berber origin is related to:
- The Berbers who lived in the region before the foundation of the city.
- The Berbers who came later from the Sous plains, south of the region.
The Arab origin is related to two tribes:[11]
- Abda: They descend from Banu Hilal and have hugtalled in the region in the twelfth century and spawned : Bhatra and Rabiaa.
- Ahmar: They descend from Maqil.
Safi also used to have a large Jewish community, more than 20% of the population,[citation needed] many of whom subsequently emigrated to France, Canada and Israel.
Economy
In the early 20th century, the Moroccan potter Boujemâa Lamali established a pottery school in Safi, supported by the colonial administration. Since then pottery has been a mainstay of Safi's economy. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there were 2,000 registered artisans working in the city's 212 workshops, and thousands more unregistered artisans.[12]
Sport
Football and rugby are popular sports in Safi. The local football team Olympic Safi have been competing in Morocco's premier football division, Botola, since 2004.
The Rugby Union team of the same name is one of Morocco's best, having won the "Coupe du Trône" several times. There also is a little Tennis Sport Club with a couple of fields (following the high road, beyond the Colline des Poitiers).
The European Cemetery
There is an abandoned European Cemetery in Safi. Some of the marble decorations have been stolen from the richest tombs, including: Russian, Portuguese, Spanish (e.g. the Do Carmo family), Italian (e.g. the Bormioli family), French (e.g., the Chanel family), German and other European nationals. Some engravings identifying or memorializing the deceased have also been stolen. Although there are 19th century tombs present, most are of pre-independence (1956) 20th century origin.[citation needed]
Notable people
- Nadiya El Hani, Moroccan Journalist and Data Analyst.
- Mehdi Aissaoui, Moroccan Actor.[13]
- Meir Ben-Shabbat, Israel's National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff for National Security.[14] -->
- Edmond Amran El Maleh, Moroccan writer
- Mohamed Bajeddoub, Andalusian classical music singer
- Mohamed Benhima, former Prime Minister of Morocco, Minister of Education and Minister of the Interior.
- Brahim Boulami & Khalid Boulami, Moroccan Athlete
- Driss Benhima, CEO of Royal Air Maroc and president of Hawd Assafi, Safi-based non-profit organization
- Samy Elmaghribi, Moroccan musician
- Michel Galabru, French actor
- Ahmed Ghayby, member of the Moroccan football federation and president of Olympic Safi
- Abderrahim Goumri, Moroccan long-distance runner
- Zakaria El Masbahi, Moroccan basketball player
- Haja Hamounia, traditional chanteuse of Bedouin song
- Mohamed Mjid, former longtime president of the Royal Moroccan Tennis Federation
- Aharon Nahmias, Israeli politician
- Abu Mohammed Salih, 12th century religious leader
- Mohamed Reggab: film director
- Uri Sebag: Israeli politician
- Abraham Ben Zmirro: 15th century rabbi
- Abderrazak Hamdallah, professional footballer
- Yahia Attiyat Allah, professional footballer
See also
Gallery
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References
- ^ "POPULATION LÉGALE DES RÉGIONS, PROVINCES, PRÉFECTURES, MUNICIPALITÉS, ARRONDISSEMENTS ET COMMUNES DU ROYAUME D'APRÈS LES RÉSULTATS DU RGPH 2014" (in Arabic and French). High Commission for Planning, Morocco. 8 April 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
- ^ Arabian American Oil Company, Aramco Services Company, Saudi Aramco (1991). Aramco world, Volumes 42-43. Aramco. p. 12.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981–2010: Safi". National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ "Safi Climate Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
- ^ a b "Led by a man who claimed prophethood... the story of the "Bargawata Emirate" which was ruled by a strange religion and an "Amazigh Quran"!". Arabic Post. Archived from the original on 2024-02-25.
- ^ "Safi.. City of Ceramics and 44 Saints". Al Khaleej (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2023-09-17.
- ^ "Safi's Heritage is Vanishing". Maghress. Archived from the original on 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2023-09-17.
- ^ "Safi.. The city deeply rooted in history". Hespress - Moroccan Electronic Newspaper (in Arabic). 2016-04-08. Archived from the original on 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2023-09-17.
- ^ "The Forgotten History of Safi: Muhammad bin Hado Attar, the skilled Moroccan ambassador and diplomat". Al-Intifada. 2014-05-14. Archived from the original on 2014-07-03. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
- ^ "Safi, the Capital of the Ocean... Eternal Love". Lakome2 (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2023-09-17.
- ^ MENNIS, Allal. "Safi ville.com". www.safi-ville.com.
- ^ "Why are Morocco's famed artisans paving roads in the desert?". The Economist. 2021-06-12. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2021-06-13.
- ^ "Mehdi Aissaoui". IMDb. Retrieved Jan 5, 2021.
- ^ "Cabinet approves Meir Ben Shabbat as national security adviser". Ynetnews. Nov 12, 2017. Retrieved Jan 5, 2021.
External links
- Entry in Lexicorient
- Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 23 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 998, 999.
32°17′N 9°14′W / 32.283°N 9.233°W
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