Mogador Essaouira is a port city and commune in Morocco, capital of the province of Essaouira, in the Marrakech-Safi area. It is located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and has 77 966 inhabitants in 2014.
Although the Essaouira region is inhabited since ancient times by indigenous Berbers, Phoenicians and Romans, it was not until the sixteenth century that the site is actually occupied by the Portuguese, who build in 1506 a fortress and ramparts quickly abandoned to the fierce resistance of the local population.
The foundation of the city of Essaouira itself is the idea of Sultan Mohammed ben Abdellah, who ordered its construction from 1760. Many famous architects participate, such Théodore Cornut, which traces the city map. Once built, it is growing and experiencing a golden age and a great development, becoming the largest trading port in the country, but also its diplomatic capital between the late eighteenth century and the first half of the nineteenth century. It also becomes a multicultural and artistic city.
The situation of the city degrades considerably between the late nineteenth and early twentieth century as a result of the bombing it suffered in 1844 and then with the installation of the French protectorate. It lost its importance and is no longer the international port and diplomatic capital. After independence, the start of the Jewish community also causes major economic loss to the city.
However, since the late twentieth century, Essaouira knows a spectacular revival due mainly to tourism, but also to its cultural vocation. Its medina is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2001.
Source : festivalessaouira
Although the Essaouira region is inhabited since ancient times by indigenous Berbers, Phoenicians and Romans, it was not until the sixteenth century that the site is actually occupied by the Portuguese, who build in 1506 a fortress and ramparts quickly abandoned to the fierce resistance of the local population.
The foundation of the city of Essaouira itself is the idea of Sultan Mohammed ben Abdellah, who ordered its construction from 1760. Many famous architects participate, such Théodore Cornut, which traces the city map. Once built, it is growing and experiencing a golden age and a great development, becoming the largest trading port in the country, but also its diplomatic capital between the late eighteenth century and the first half of the nineteenth century. It also becomes a multicultural and artistic city.
The situation of the city degrades considerably between the late nineteenth and early twentieth century as a result of the bombing it suffered in 1844 and then with the installation of the French protectorate. It lost its importance and is no longer the international port and diplomatic capital. After independence, the start of the Jewish community also causes major economic loss to the city.
However, since the late twentieth century, Essaouira knows a spectacular revival due mainly to tourism, but also to its cultural vocation. Its medina is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2001.
Festival Gnawa and World Music Essaouira:
In Morocco resolutely turned towards a new era in the heart of a city full of history and myth, the Gnaoua World Music Festival of Essaouira was founded in June 1998. Born of the will of passionate team of music, convinced that culture is an inalienable human right, that dialogue is the path that will lead the world to the ways of wisdom and the preservation of heritage in all its forms is an identity foundation, the festival then mark a remarkable turning point in the socio-cultural history.
The revival of maâlems:
First popular free festival, he also opened the way for many others, it hosts in its first edition artists from around the world to commune with the Gnawa musicians guarantors of a precious heritage, witnessed the African identity of Morocco, mystical bearers of an ancestral tradition. The rehabilitation of their history, highlighting their expertise is undoubtedly one of the main reasons for the festival. On stage, considered as full-fledged artists and finally treated as such, they reveal their talent and the magic of their music. Aware of the message that the festival wants to transmit, they reveal their secrets to artists from elsewhere to celebrate and a curious public to know them better. The hajhouj and rattlesnakes, instruments that define them, marry others from cultures and countries near and far, in exceptional harmony that leaves neither the public nor the indifferent musicians. In parallel, conferences sharp light on their culture and history and lilacs are night owls find their rituals intact, to fall outside the time. Since then, many maâlems have become ambassadors of Morocco and Africa, cruising the renowned festivals and prestigious venues worldwide. Better yet, the Festival, which was immediately focused on the need for the transmission of knowledge, allowed them to pass the torch and to see young bands and artists emerge, perpetuating a long forgotten heritage, best folklorized on his own land.
A popular success :
As for the public, it adheres immediately and completely to the values of the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Moroccan youth, presents the first editions, captures the full scope of the wind of freedom blowing across the city. It prevails throughout the country and sow mind Gnaoua, which will become gradually "a way of life". Accordingly, that same youth gaining hope and deeply believe in a Morocco-conscious expectations and desires for freedom. Over the editions, the festival's fame crosses borders and the world is seduced by this new African Woodstock. Festival goers and media from five continents flock and find the hospitality of a country, the generosity of a city and plunge into a unique party atmosphere in its kind. They leave, carry with them a piece of Morocco and its rich history, attest to its opening and applaud his recognition of his African roots.
In this regard, the Gnaoua World Music Festival and is also precursor. Celebrating Gnaoua and inviting them worthy representatives of African music to accompany them, whether modern or traditional, it pays homage to an entire continent.
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