History of Nouadhibou

The history of the city of Nouadhibou, located on the long Ras Nouadhibou peninsula, is inextricably linked with the sea and trade. Although these lands were known to seafarers for centuries, the city itself is a relatively young settlement that has evolved into the economic capital of modern Mauritania.

Foundation and First Mentions

The peninsula on which the city stands was discovered by Portuguese navigators back in 1441 and was long known as Cap Blanc (White Cape). However, a permanent urban settlement appeared here much later.

The official date of foundation is considered to be 1907, when the French colonial administration decided to build a port. Initially, the city was named Port-Étienne in honour of the French politician Eugène Étienne. The city received its modern name after the country's declaration of independence.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into a major centre was driven by unique natural and strategic conditions:

• Geographical location: The city is located on the eastern side of the peninsula, which protects the Baie du Lévrier (Levrier Bay) from strong Atlantic waves. This creates an ideal natural harbour, rare for this part of the African coast.
• Deep-water port: The ability to accommodate large vessels became a decisive factor in development. This allowed for the creation of a base for the fishing fleet and merchant ships.
• Isolation and security: The peninsular position provided natural protection, which was important during the formation of trade routes.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Port-Étienne developed primarily as a fishing hub. Coastal waters, rich in fish thanks to the cold Canary Current, attracted not only locals but also fishermen from the Canary Islands and Europe.

The economy of the early city depended entirely on the ocean. Unlike cities in the interior of the continent, where caravan trade flourished, a special port culture was formed here, combining the traditions of nomadic desert peoples and a maritime way of life.

Key Dates in the City's History

• 1441 — Portuguese navigator Nuno Tristão discovers the peninsula and names it Cap Blanc (White Cape).
• 1907 — Official foundation of the city under the name Port-Étienne by decree of the Governor-General of French West Africa.
• 1919 — Construction of the airfield, which became an important stopover for airmail on the Toulouse — Dakar line.
• 1920s — The city is frequently visited by pilots of the legendary "Aéropostale" airline, including Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
• 1960 — Mauritania declares independence, opening a new chapter in the region's development.
• 1963 — Commissioning of the railway connecting the coast with iron ore deposits in Zouérat.
• 1964 — Opening of a specialised mineral port for iron ore exports, which became the backbone of the city's economy.
• Late 1960s — The city officially changes its colonial name Port-Étienne to the modern Nouadhibou.
• 1980s — Active development of the fishing industrial complex and expansion of port infrastructure.
• 2006 — Launch of a large-scale international programme to clear the bay of shipwrecks.
• 2013 — Creation of the Nouadhibou Free Zone (ZFN) to attract foreign investment and stimulate tourism.
• 2019 — Modernisation of the autonomous port to increase capacity and service large vessels.

The development of the city of Nouadhibou is a journey from a small colonial outpost to the economic capital of the state. Each decade brought new features to the city's appearance, shaping its unique industrial-maritime character. Below are the key stages of transformation that determined the city's modern status.

Development Milestones and Their Significance

• The Airmail Era (1920s).
  During this period, the city became an important link in the transcontinental airline connecting France with South America.
  Significance: This gave the first impetus to the development of communication infrastructure and the hotel business. The city acquired a romantic aura, being immortalised in the works of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which is today an important part of the region's cultural heritage.
• Launch of the Iron Ore Railway (1963).
  The construction of the railway connecting the coast with deposits in Zouérat, and the opening of the mineral port, radically changed the economy of Mauritania.
  Significance: The city turned into the country's "export gateway". The appearance of the famous train carrying ore across the desert stimulated an influx of labour and urban population growth, turning the settlement into a major industrial centre.
• Nationalisation and Renaming (Late 1960s).
  Changing the name from Port-Étienne to Nouadhibou became a symbol of the new era of independence.
  Significance: This stage marked the beginning of the formation of the city's own identity, a departure from colonial administration, and a reorientation towards national interests in urban planning and resource management.
• Formation of the Fishing Industrial Cluster (1980s – 1990s).
  Active construction of fish processing plants and modernisation of the fleet.
  Significance: Economic diversification. The city ceased to depend exclusively on ore exports, becoming a major supplier of seafood. This led to the expansion of the port zone and the emergence of new residential districts for industry workers.
• Establishment of the Free Zone (Zone Franche, 2013).
  Granting the city a special economic status with tax and customs privileges.
  Significance: A global economic reform aimed at attracting foreign investment. This decision launched projects to improve the road network, power supply, and develop the peninsula's tourism potential.
• Bay Cleanup Programme (2010s – Present).
  Large-scale disposal of sunken ships that had long spoiled the view of the coast.
  Significance: A crucial urban planning and environmental transformation. Cleaning the harbour not only improved navigation safety but also opened up prospects for the development of beach leisure and eco-tourism, changing the city's image.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Nouadhibou is an honest reflection of its history as a trading and industrial outpost on the edge of the desert. Here you will not find lavish Baroque or ancient Gothic; the city's appearance is dictated by the harsh geography of the peninsula and the pragmatic tasks of the port. The urban fabric is stretched from north to south, following the contours of the cape, and is clearly zoned by periods of development.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

The development of the city can be divided into three key stages, each leaving its mark on the urban environment:

• Colonial Period (1907–1960).
  Style: Colonial Functionalism.
  Buildings from this era, preserved in the old centre, are distinguished by simplicity and adaptation to the climate. These are typically one- or two-storey structures with thick walls, whitewashed facades, and inner courtyards for protection from wind and sand. The former administrative buildings of the French administration of Port-Étienne are striking examples of utilitarian architecture, where function prevailed over decor.
• Industrial Era (1960–1980).
  Style: Modernism and Rationalism.
  With the start of iron ore exports in Mauritania, comprehensive development projects appeared. Architecture became larger in scale, using concrete and strict geometric forms characteristic of the international style of the mid-20th century.
• Modern Stage (since the 1990s).
  Style: Eclecticism and Vernacular Architecture.
  The modern city presents a diverse mix. Next to new glass and concrete office buildings, traditional residential quarters with flat roofs coexist. Mosques are actively being built, becoming the new architectural landmarks of districts, combining Arab traditions with modern materials.

Iconic Districts and Buildings

The city's appearance is shaped by several key zones, each with its own unique character:

Cansado District (Cité Cansado)
The most architecturally interesting district, built in the 1960s for employees of the SNIM mining company. It is a true "garden city" in the desert, designed in the spirit of European modernism. Cansado is distinguished by a clear street layout, standardised but high-quality residential cottages, and its own infrastructure (schools, hotels, cinema). The influence of mid-century French urban planning is felt here, creating a contrast with the chaotic development of other parts of the city.

Maritime Station and Port
The industrial heart of the city. Massive port structures, cranes, and warehouses create a brutal silhouette along the coastline. Although this is a restricted area, its scale is visible from afar and sets the rhythm for the entire life of the peninsula.

Central Mosque
A striking example of the region's modern religious architecture. The building stands out with its minaret and serves as a main landmark in the city centre, uniting commercial and public spaces around it.

Famous Figures

The fate of the city of Nouadhibou is intertwined with the lives of brave aviators, statesmen, and talented athletes. Thanks to its strategic position, this port has become home or an important career stage for many outstanding people.

• Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  Role: World-famous French writer, poet, and professional pilot.
  Significance: In the late 1920s, he worked as the airfield chief in Port-Étienne (the city's former name). It was here, in seclusion between the ocean and the desert, that he wrote his first famous works and drew inspiration for "Wind, Sand and Stars" (Terre des hommes). The house where he lived is still considered one of the unofficial cultural attractions.
• Jean Mermoz
  Role: Legendary pilot of the "Aéropostale" airline.
  Significance: He was one of the pioneers forging air routes from France to South America via Africa. He regularly landed in the city, which served as a key transit hub for airmail. His name is forever linked to the heroic era of conquering the skies over the Sahara.
• El Ghassem Ould Bellali
  Role: Prominent political figure, Member of Parliament, and Mayor of the city.
  Significance: He is one of the most influential figures in the modern history of the region. Known for his active work in modernising urban infrastructure, improving the healthcare and education systems in the economic capital of Mauritania.
• Eugène Étienne
  Role: French politician and Minister of the Colonies.
  Significance: Although he did not personally reside in the city, his influence on the settlement's history is fundamental. In 1907, the city was named in his honour — Port-Étienne. This name was used on all world maps for more than half a century, up until nationalisation and the renaming of the city after independence.
• Drissa Diallo
  Role: Professional footballer.
  Significance: A native of the city who achieved success on the international stage. He played for various European clubs in France, Belgium, and England, becoming an example of sporting success for the region's youth.
• Jean-Benoît Albertini
  Role: High-ranking French civil servant (Prefect).
  Significance: Born in Port-Étienne in 1959. His career and origins symbolise the close historical and human ties that existed between the city and the metropolis during the colonial era.