The history of Tangier: from Tingis to the city of the Strait
Facing Spain, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, Tangier has always drawn merchants, conquerors and travellers. Here are its main chapters.
Tingis, the ancient city
Founded as a trading post by the Phoenicians and later linked to Carthage, the town was then called Tingis. Under Rome it became the capital of the province of Mauretania Tingitana.
Ibn Battuta's city
Ibn Battuta, one of the greatest travellers in history, was born in Tangier in 1304. He spent nearly thirty years journeying across Africa, Asia and Europe.
Portuguese, then English
The Portuguese took the city in 1471. In 1661 it passed to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II. The English left in 1684, and Sultan Moulay Ismail brought the city back into Morocco.
The International Zone
From 1923-1925 until 1956, Tangier was run by several foreign powers. Writers, artists and bankers flocked there, and the city earned its cosmopolitan reputation. It rejoined independent Morocco in 1956.
Tangier today
Tanger Med port, the high-speed train to Casablanca, a new marina and a restored medina: the city has kept its crossroads spirit. To explore it, see our guide Things to do in Tangier.
