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Morocco
/ Safi / History
It was known as Asfi, and its people were among the first Moroccans
to embrace Islam. The Almohades surrounded the city with ramparts
and made the city an intellectual and spiritual centre.
In 1508 the
Portuguese occupied the city, built a citadel and renovated the
kasbah area before withdrawing under the Saadian onslaught in
1541. Under the Saadians, Safi's trading was developed and the
city's Jamaa Masjid, or Grand Mosque, was built.
Their Alawite
successors restored the old city and opened Safi to foreign traders.
Under French control, the port facilities were developed for the
export of phosphates mined in Youssoufia.
After independence
Safi's importance as a port city continued to grow. In 1964 the
Moroccan government constructed new facilities for the processing
of phosphate rock into fertilizer and expanded its export capacity.
Fish canning is another major industry.
Safi is also
Morocco's most famous ceramic centre, featuring an ancient potter's
quarter and artisans of international reputation.
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