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| '''Safi''' or '''Asfi''' ({{lang-ar|آسفي|ʾāsafī}}) is a city in western ] on the ]. It is the capital of ]. It recorded a population of 308,508 in the ].<ref name=census2014/> The city was occupied by the ] from 1488 to 1541, was the center of Morocco's ] 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 ] industry, and also exports ]s, textiles and ]. During the ], Safi was the site of ], one of the landing sites for ]. | '''Safi''' or '''Asfi''' ({{lang-ar|آسفي|ʾāsafī}}, ]: ⴰⵙⴼⵉ ) is a city in western ] on the ]. It is the capital of ]. It recorded a population of 308,508 in the ].<ref name=census2014/> The city was occupied by the ] from 1488 to 1541, was the center of Morocco's ] 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 ] industry, and also exports ]s, textiles and ]. During the ], Safi was the site of ], one of the landing sites for ]. | ||
| ==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
| 11th-century geographer ] 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 ] 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 ]. Upon hearing this one of the sailors responded by saying: "Wa asafi" (Oh my regret). ] wrote that from that time the city carried the name "Aasafi".<ref>{{cite book|last=Arabian American Oil Company, Aramco Services Company, Saudi Aramco|title=Aramco world, Volumes 42-43|year=1991|publisher=Aramco|pages=12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pkkgAQAAMAAJ}}</ref> | 11th-century geographer ] 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 ] 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 ]. Upon hearing this one of the sailors responded by saying: "Wa asafi" (Oh my regret). ] wrote that from that time the city carried the name "Aasafi".<ref>{{cite book|last=Arabian American Oil Company, Aramco Services Company, Saudi Aramco|title=Aramco world, Volumes 42-43|year=1991|publisher=Aramco|pages=12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pkkgAQAAMAAJ}}</ref> | ||
| == Food == | |||
| ⚫ | Safi, a city on the Atlantic coast of ], 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: | ||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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. | ||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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. | ||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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. | ||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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 ] who once lived in the city, the recipe was adopted by the local residents after the departure of the Jews from Morocco. | |||
| == Climate == | == Climate == | ||
| Line 250: | Line 264: | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| == |
==History== | ||
| ⚫ | {{Expand Portuguese|Safim|date=November 2020}} | ||
| ⚫ | Safi, a city on the Atlantic coast of ], 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: | ||
| ⚫ | 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 ] or Carcunticus{{Citation needed|reason=Can find no unrelated info on this historian or placename online|date=May 2019}} and was founded by the ] ] during his ] as related by ].<ref>Vincent J. Cornell, ''Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism'', p. 326</ref> | ||
| 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. | |||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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. | ||
| Safi was part of the ] state, a confederation of ] tribes with a distinct religious and political structure. <ref>{{Cite book |last=Laroui |first=Abdallah |title=The History of the Maghrib: An Interpretive Essay |year=1977 |publisher=Princeton University Press |translator=Ralph Manheim |isbn=9780691635859}}</ref> This influential group in the region, resisted multiple invasions before eventually succumbing first to the ] and then being definitively eliminated by the ] by 1149.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Barghawatah |title=Barghawatah |publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica |access-date=2024-04-24}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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. | ||
| Under the Almohads, Safi functioned as an important port to the capital, Marrakesh. Its development during this period was notably influenced by ], who established a ] 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. | |||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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. | ||
| ⚫ | ''']:''' 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. | ||
| ==History== | |||
| {{Expand French|Safi (Maroc)|date=November 2020|topic=geo}} | |||
| ⚫ | {{Expand Portuguese|Safim|date=November 2020}} | ||
| ⚫ | 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 ] or Carcunticus{{Citation needed|reason=Can find no unrelated info on this historian or placename online|date=May 2019}} and was founded by the ] ] during his ] as related by ].<ref>Vincent J. Cornell, ''Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism'', p. 326</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | ]The city was under ] rule from 1488 to 1541; it is believed that they abandoned it to the ] (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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://visitmarrakech.com/en/listing/la-chateau-de-mer-ksar-el-bhar/ |title=La Château de Mer - Ksar El Bhar |publisher=Visit Marrakech |access-date=2023-04-24}}</ref> | ||
| Under the ] it functioned as an important port to the capital Marrakesh. | |||
| ⚫ | After 1541, the city played a major role in ] as one of the safest and biggest ] in the country. Many ambassadors to the ] and ] kings during the 16th–18th centuries came to Morocco via Safi; its proximity to ], then capital of Morocco, helped expand the maritime trade in the city.<br/> ], consul of the French court in Morocco in 1767, reported that the city was the only usable seaport at the time. | ||
| ⚫ | ]The city was under ] rule from 1488 to 1541; it is believed that they abandoned it to the ] (who were at war with them), since the city proved difficult to defend from land attacks. |
||
| ⚫ | After 1541, the city played a major role in ] as one of the safest and biggest ] in the country. Many ambassadors to the ] and ] kings during the 16th–18th centuries came to Morocco via Safi; its proximity to ], then capital of Morocco, helped expand the maritime trade in the city.<br |
||
| ], consul of the French court in Morocco in 1767, reported that the city was the only usable seaport at the time.<br /> | |||
| A ] captive, ], who wrote the account of his stay in ] 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. | A ] captive, ], who wrote the account of his stay in ] 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 ] built the city of ] (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. | After the Sultan ] built the city of ] (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. | ||
| Safi's patron saint is ]. | |||
| In 1942 as part of ], American forces attacked Safi in ]. 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 ] and at ]. | In 1942 as part of ], American forces attacked Safi in ]. 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 ] and at ]. | ||
| 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== | ==Population== | ||
| Line 297: | Line 302: | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| In the early 20th century, the Moroccan potter ] 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 ] there were 2,000 registered artisans working in the city's 212 workshops, and thousands more unregistered artisans.<ref>{{Cite news| issn = 0013-0613| title = Why are Morocco's famed artisans paving roads in the desert?| newspaper = The Economist| date = 2021-06-12|url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2021/06/12/why-are-moroccos-famed-artisans-paving-roads-in-the-desert|access-date=2021-06-13}}</ref> | In the early 20th century, the Moroccan potter ] 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 ] there were 2,000 registered artisans working in the city's 212 workshops, and thousands more unregistered artisans.<ref>{{Cite news| issn = 0013-0613| title = Why are Morocco's famed artisans paving roads in the desert?| newspaper = The Economist| date = 2021-06-12|url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2021/06/12/why-are-moroccos-famed-artisans-paving-roads-in-the-desert|access-date=2021-06-13}}</ref> | ||
| The ], a cornerstone of Morocco's phosphate industry, established its Safi chemical complex in 1965.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Journey of Positive Impact |url=https://www.ocpgroup.ma/history |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref> | |||
| This site, one of the earliest in OCP’s expansion into chemical processing, significantly contributes to the local economy by processing phosphate rock sourced from ]. Equipped with facilities for fertilizer production, phosphoric acid manufacturing, phosphate washing, and a ] plant, the Safi complex is a major industrial hub. In 2016, it achieved record production levels, producing 1.5 million tonnes of phosphoric acid and 832,600 tonnes of triple superphosphate ], catering to both domestic and international markets. | |||
| Founded in 1920, OCP is now the world's largest fertilizer manufacturer, controlling over 70% of global phosphate reserves. It employs 23,000 people and generated $5.884 billion in 2018 revenue, emphasizing the Safi complex's significant role<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ocpgroup.ma/en|title=Home {{!}} OCP GROUP|website=ocpgroup.ma|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref> The company holds a 31% market share of the world phosphate product market.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our operations span the entire phosphate value chain, from mining to processing and export. |url=https://www.ocpgroup.ma/industrial-operations|website=ocpgroup.ma|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref> | |||
| ==Infrastructure== | |||
| Safi has seen significant advancements in its infrastructure aimed at supporting its economic growth and sustainability. The Safi Industrial Port, one of the key developments, has undergone substantial expansion as part of the national port strategy to enhance Morocco's infrastructure by 2030. This expansion, which began in 2014 and was completed in 2017 by SGTM-STFA, a construction firm, included enhancements to the port's dock facilities. These improvements are essential for the new ], which relies on coal to meet the energy demands of ]. Ciments du Maroc, a subsidiary of ], supplied approximately 210,000 tonnes of marine cement for this project, underscoring its scale and impact on the local economy, particularly in the energy and chemical sectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heidelbergmaterials.com/en/safi-industrial-port |title=Safi Industrial Port Expansion |access-date=2024-04-25 |publisher=HeidelbergMaterials}}</ref> | |||
| In addition to port development, the ] is spearheading the construction of new modular seawater ] plants. These facilities are designed to significantly increase the supply of clean drinking water to Safi and the surrounding areas. Once operational, the plants will have a total annual capacity of 110 million cubic meters, with Safi benefiting from up to 75 million cubic meters. This project is critical in providing a sustainable source of unconventional water, catering to the growing demands of the area's industrial sites and improving water availability for over 1.5 million local residents and workers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/african-development-bank-group/afdb-and-ocp-approve-188-million-water-project-morocco |title=AFDB and OCP Approve $188 Million Water Project in Morocco |publisher=Smart Water Magazine |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref> | |||
| ==Sport== | ==Sport== | ||
| Line 308: | Line 323: | ||
| *], Moroccan Journalist and Data Analyst. | *], Moroccan Journalist and Data Analyst. | ||
| *], Moroccan Actor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7771550/|title=Mehdi Aissaoui|website=IMDb|access-date=Jan 5, 2021}}</ref> | *], Moroccan Actor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7771550/|title=Mehdi Aissaoui|website=IMDb|access-date=Jan 5, 2021}}</ref> | ||
| *], Israel's National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff for National Security.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5041778,00.html|title=Cabinet approves Meir Ben Shabbat as national security adviser|date=Nov 12, 2017|website=Ynetnews|access-date=Jan 5, 2021}}</ref |
*], Israel's National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff for National Security.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5041778,00.html|title=Cabinet approves Meir Ben Shabbat as national security adviser|date=Nov 12, 2017|website=Ynetnews|access-date=Jan 5, 2021}}</ref> | ||
| *], Moroccan writer | *], Moroccan writer | ||
| *], Andalusian classical music singer | *], Andalusian classical music singer | ||
Revision as of 17:20, 26 April 2024
City in Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Safi, Morocco" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (April 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Safi آسفي (Arabic)ⴰⵙⴼⵉ | |
|---|---|
 Safi city | |
 Coat of arms | |
  SafiLocation in MoroccoShow map of Morocco SafiSafi (Africa)Show map of Africa | |
| Coordinates: 32°17′N 9°14′W / 32.283°N 9.233°W / 32.283; -9.233 | |
| Country |  Morocco |
| Region | Marrakesh-Safi |
| Province | Safi |
| Area | |
| • Total | 34 km (13 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 308,508 |
| • Rank | 13th in Morocco |
Safi or Asfi (Template:Lang-ar, Berber: ⴰⵙⴼⵉ ) 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. 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. 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.
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".
Food
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
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) | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: NOAA | |||||||||||||
History
 | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Portuguese. (November 2020) Click for important translation instructions.
|
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 and was founded by the Carthaginian Hanno during his Periplus as related by Pliny the Elder.
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. 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.
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.
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
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:
- 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, , 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.
The OCP Group, a cornerstone of Morocco's phosphate industry, established its Safi chemical complex in 1965. This site, one of the earliest in OCP’s expansion into chemical processing, significantly contributes to the local economy by processing phosphate rock sourced from Benguerir. Equipped with facilities for fertilizer production, phosphoric acid manufacturing, phosphate washing, and a sulfuric acid plant, the Safi complex is a major industrial hub. In 2016, it achieved record production levels, producing 1.5 million tonnes of phosphoric acid and 832,600 tonnes of triple superphosphate TSP fertilizer., catering to both domestic and international markets.
Founded in 1920, OCP is now the world's largest fertilizer manufacturer, controlling over 70% of global phosphate reserves. It employs 23,000 people and generated $5.884 billion in 2018 revenue, emphasizing the Safi complex's significant role The company holds a 31% market share of the world phosphate product market.
Infrastructure
Safi has seen significant advancements in its infrastructure aimed at supporting its economic growth and sustainability. The Safi Industrial Port, one of the key developments, has undergone substantial expansion as part of the national port strategy to enhance Morocco's infrastructure by 2030. This expansion, which began in 2014 and was completed in 2017 by SGTM-STFA, a construction firm, included enhancements to the port's dock facilities. These improvements are essential for the new thermal power plant, which relies on coal to meet the energy demands of OCP Group. Ciments du Maroc, a subsidiary of Heidelberg Materials, supplied approximately 210,000 tonnes of marine cement for this project, underscoring its scale and impact on the local economy, particularly in the energy and chemical sectors.
In addition to port development, the OCP Group is spearheading the construction of new modular seawater desalination plants. These facilities are designed to significantly increase the supply of clean drinking water to Safi and the surrounding areas. Once operational, the plants will have a total annual capacity of 110 million cubic meters, with Safi benefiting from up to 75 million cubic meters. This project is critical in providing a sustainable source of unconventional water, catering to the growing demands of the area's industrial sites and improving water availability for over 1.5 million local residents and workers.
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.
Notable people
- Nadiya El Hani, Moroccan Journalist and Data Analyst.
- Mehdi Aissaoui, Moroccan Actor.
- Meir Ben-Shabbat, Israel's National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff for National Security.
- 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.
- 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.
- "A Journey of Positive Impact". Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- "Home | OCP GROUP". ocpgroup.ma. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
- "Our operations span the entire phosphate value chain, from mining to processing and export". ocpgroup.ma. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
- "Safi Industrial Port Expansion". HeidelbergMaterials. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- "AFDB and OCP Approve $188 Million Water Project in Morocco". Smart Water Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- "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). "Saffi" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 23 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 998, 999.
32°17′N 9°14′W / 32.283°N 9.233°W / 32.283; -9.233
| Prefectures and provinces of Morocco by region | |||||
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| Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima |
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| Oriental |
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| Fès-Meknès |
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| Rabat-Salé-Kénitra |
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| Béni Mellal-Khénifra |
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| Casablanca-Settat |
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| Marrakesh-Safi |
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| Drâa-Tafilalet |
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| Souss-Massa |
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| Guelmim-Oued Noun |
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| Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra |
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| Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab |
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