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Safi or Asfi (Arabic: آسفي, romanized: ʾāsafī) is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of Asfi Province. It recorded a population of 308,508 in the 2014 Moroccan census.[1] 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.[2] Safi is the main fishing port for the country's sardine industry, and also exports phosphates, textiles and ceramics. During the Second World War, Safi was the site of Operation Blackstone, one of the landing sites for Operation Torch.
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 |
Etymology edit
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".[3]
Food edit
Safi, a city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, offers a unique and rich culinary experience, deeply rooted in Moroccan gastronomy. Here are some specifics about the food culture and popular dishes you can find in Safi:
Seafood: Being a coastal city, Safi is renowned for its fresh seafood. Fish like sardines, mackerel, and sole are commonly consumed. A must-try is the grilled fish, often seasoned with a blend of Moroccan spices.
Tagines: Like in other parts of Morocco, tagines are very popular in Safi. These slow-cooked stews can be made with a variety of ingredients like chicken, lamb, vegetables, and are flavored with spices like cumin, ginger, and saffron. Seafood tagines are also a local specialty.
Couscous: This staple of Moroccan cuisine is also prevalent in Safi. Couscous is typically served with vegetables, chickpeas, and meat or fish, and is often enjoyed as a part of family gatherings, especially on Fridays, which is a traditional day for couscous in Morocco.
Harira: A traditional Moroccan soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and lamb, seasoned with a variety of spices. Harira is particularly popular during the month of Ramadan.
Massaban: Considered one of Safi's oldest traditional desserts, this delicacy is made from almond paste. Originally crafted by the Moroccan Jewish community who once lived in the city, the recipe was adopted by the local residents after the departure of the Jews from Morocco.
Climate edit
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)[4] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: NOAA[5] | |||||||||||||
History edit
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Safi, under the name Safim (Zaffim or Asfi), is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. According to historian Mohammed al-Kanuni, Safi must be identified with the ancient Thymiaterium or Carcunticus[citation needed] and was founded by the Carthaginian Hanno during his Periplus as related by Pliny the Elder.[6]
The exact date of Safi's founding is unknown. The city, known in Arabic texts from the 11th century as Asfi, was a minor port of local interest at that time. It emerged as a highly urbanized area with significant fortifications.
Safi was part of the Barghawata state, a confederation of Berber tribes with a distinct religious and political structure. [7] This influential group in the region, resisted multiple invasions before eventually succumbing first to the Almoravids and then being definitively eliminated by the Almohads by 1149.[8]
Under the Almohads, Safi functioned as an important port to the capital, Marrakesh. Its development during this period was notably influenced by Abu Mohammed Salih, who established a Ribat or fortified convent. Abu Mohammed Salih, revered as Safi's patron saint, also founded two of Morocco's first religious orders. These developments helped Safi gain a wide reputation for religious importance. In the 14th century, the city expanded further, adding a madrasa, a bimaristan (hospital), and other institutions, solidifying its status as a crucial trading hub with cities like Genoa, Seville, and Marseille.
The city was under Portuguese rule from 1488 to 1541; it is believed that they abandoned it to the Saadians (who were at war with them), since the city proved difficult to defend from land attacks. During their occupation, the Portuguese constructed extensive fortifications in the city, including a seafront fortress and comprehensive city walls. The fortress, designed to protect the city, remains a prominent historical site today.[9]
After 1541, the city played a major role in Morocco as one of the safest and biggest seaports in the country. Many ambassadors to the Saadian and Alaouite kings during the 16th–18th centuries came to Morocco via Safi; its proximity to Marrakech, then capital of Morocco, helped expand the maritime trade in the city.
Louis De Chénier, consul of the French court in Morocco in 1767, reported that the city was the only usable seaport at the time.
A French Navy captive, Bidé de Maurville, who wrote the account of his stay in Morocco in his 1765 book Relations de l'affaire de Larache, reported the presence of an important number of foreign trading houses in the city : Dutch, Danish, British and French.
After the Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah built the city of Mogador (modern-day Essaouira), he banned foreign trade in all Moroccan ports except in his newly built city. Consequently, Safi stopped playing a leading role in the Moroccan trade.
In 1942 as part of Operation Torch, American forces attacked Safi in Operation Blackstone. During November 8-10, 1942 the Americans took control over Safi and its port and took relatively few casualties compared to the other operations at Casablanca and at Port Mehdia.
In more recent times, the city has seen significant developments in its fishing industry, particularly with the sardine, and the growth of the phosphate industry, which has contributed to the expansion and modernization of the port. Safi also holds a prominent place in the resistance and struggle for Morocco's independence, with notable figures from the city having signed the Manifesto of Independence.
Population edit
The inhabitants are composed of Berbers and Arabs 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:[10]
- 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 edit
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.[11]
Sport edit
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 edit
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 edit
- Nadiya El Hani, Moroccan Journalist and Data Analyst.
- Mehdi Aissaoui, Moroccan Actor.[12]
- Meir Ben-Shabbat, Israel's National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff for National Security.[13] -->
- 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 edit
Gallery edit
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References edit
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ Newitt, Malyn (November 5, 2004). A History of Portuguese Overseas Expansion 1400–1668. Routledge. p. 66. ISBN 9781134553044.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Vincent J. Cornell, Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism, p. 326
- ^ Laroui, Abdallah (1977). The History of the Maghrib: An Interpretive Essay. Translated by Ralph Manheim. Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691635859.
- ^ "Barghawatah". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "La Château de Mer - Ksar El Bhar". Visit Marrakech. Retrieved 2023-04-24.
- ^ 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 edit
- Entry in Lexicorient
- Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 23 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 998, 999.
