Tangier

Tangier is the city that gave English the word “tangerine.”

During the time of the Protectorate, Tangier belonged to Spanish Morocco but was later declared an international zone. The city itself is quite ancient. It was founded by Carthaginian settlers in the 5th century BC.

Tangier is practically a resort. The views of the Strait of Gibraltar are beautiful. Somewhere on the other side lies Spain, but you can’t see it in the photos. Only through binoculars.

Tangier is one of the most European cities. If Casablanca exudes a Parisian vibe, Tangier is reminiscent of Madrid.

A typical street in Tangier gives no hint of Africa. The architecture, people, and sidewalks all closely resemble Europe.

The remnants of colonial architecture truly resemble authentic Spanish-Mexican houses. The Spanish motifs are richly complemented by Moorish ornament.

Tangier is probably the cleanest city in the country after Rabat.

Only the square minarets and Arabic inscriptions remind you that this is Morocco. Although these days you can find minarets and Arabic in Europe as often as in Africa.

In every other respect, it is an impeccably European city. Modest skyscrapers, glass business centers, and good cars.

Berber Technopark.

Central Square.

Typical residential street.

Of course, like in any city in Morocco, Tangier has its own medina. It is modest, cozy, and clean.

It is very hard to get lost in the medina of Tangier. Just remember one rule: downhill leads to the sea, uphill leads away from it. That’s the entire navigation.

The port begins right behind the medina. By the way, cannons are placed throughout Tangier. The gun barrels are already filled with trash and cigarette butts, while the cannons themselves have rusted. Not the best decoration.

Unlike Casablanca’s, though, the Tangier waterfront is beautiful. The best architecture has survived here.

Along the waterfront, they are constructing both expensive modern buildings and new promenade streets.

Somewhere in this area, a group of three Africans approached us and persistently begged for money. So persistently, in fact, that if I had been alone, I would have gotten my ass kicked. There were three of us, and that was the only thing that stopped them.

After all, it is Africa, however nice it looks.

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Not far from Tangier are the Caves of Hercules. Legend has it that Hercules rested here after one of his labors, when he also opened up the Strait of Gibraltar.

The cave itself is not particularly interesting, and there is no point in coming here from Tangier unless you have never seen caves before.

Many thousands of years ago, ancient people from the Neolithic period took shelter in the cave. Later, a brothel was opened in the cave, and the band Def Leppard performed there.

So-so band. They say they influenced Guns N’ Roses, but I prefer Axl Rose’s stuff.

Well, what was I talking about? Until next time in Africa.