Agadir history

The history of Agadir, whose name translates from the Berber language as "fortified wall" or "fortress," is rooted in deep antiquity, yet its documented past begins in the 16th century. This period defined its strategic importance for many centuries to come.

Foundation and the Portuguese Period

The modern history of the city began in 1505, when the Portuguese trader João Lopes de Sequeira established a trading post and a small fort here named Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gué. In 1513, this fortification was purchased by the Portuguese crown, and Agadir quickly transformed into a bustling commercial port visited by ships from Portugal, Genoa, and France.

Key Factors of Development

Agadir's transition under the rule of the Moroccan Saadian dynasty in 1541 was a turning point. It was then that the foundations for its future prosperity were laid, facilitated by several factors:

• Strategic Location: Its position on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, within a convenient natural bay, made the city an ideal seaport.
• Military and Political Power: After expelling the Portuguese, Sultan Mohammed ash-Sheikh built a powerful fortress on the hill — the Kasbah — which dominated the port and the city, ensuring reliable protection.
• Trade: During the Saadian era, Agadir became the main port for exporting goods from the fertile Souss valley, primarily sugar, as well as wax, hides, and spices.

Early Economic and Cultural Features

Under Saadian rule, Agadir experienced its "Golden Age," becoming one of Morocco's key trading hubs. However, its prosperity was short-lived. In the 18th century, following the construction of a new port in Essaouira, which captured the main trade flows, Agadir's importance began to decline. The city gradually fell into decay and by the 19th century had turned into a small fishing village, nevertheless preserving the memory of its former grandeur.

Key Dates in the History of Agadir

The history of Agadir is a series of rises, falls, and radical transformations. The city has repeatedly changed its status: from an important trading port to a small fishing village, and then to a world-renowned resort. Below are the main milestones of its centuries-old history.

• 1505: Portuguese trader João Lopes de Sequeira establishes a trading post and the fort of Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gué, laying the foundation for modern Agadir.
• 1541: Forces of the Moroccan Saadian dynasty, led by Mohammed ash-Sheikh, capture the fortress, ending Portuguese rule. A powerful fortress, the Kasbah, is erected on the hill above the city.
• 16th-17th Centuries: Agadir experiences its "Golden Age," becoming the main port for the export of sugar, wax, and spices from the Souss region.
• 1731: A strong earthquake causes significant damage to the city, becoming one of the reasons for the beginning of its decline.
• 1760: Sultan Mohammed III establishes a new port in Essaouira and closes Agadir's harbour to foreign trade, leading the city to economic desolation.
• 1881: Sultan Hassan I reopens the port for trade, giving an impetus to the gradual revival of the city's economic life.
• 1911: The "Agadir Crisis" occurs — an international conflict where Germany sent the gunboat "Panther" to the port of Agadir in response to French actions, which escalated tensions between European powers.
• 1913: Agadir, like most of Morocco, comes under the French protectorate; construction of a new port and infrastructure development begins in the city.
• February 29, 1960: A catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 almost completely destroys the old city, claiming the lives of about 15,000 people.
• 1961: King Mohammed V makes the decision to rebuild the city. The new Agadir is built 2-3 km south of the earthquake's epicentre, adhering to strict seismic safety standards.
• 1992: In memory of the friendship with the Portuguese sister city of Olhão, the Jardin d'Olhão (Olhão Garden) was opened, becoming one of the symbols of the reborn city.

Major Milestones in Agadir's Development

The history of Agadir is a tale of prosperity, decline, and remarkable rebirth. The city has radically changed its appearance and economic role several times, transforming from a medieval trading post into the modern tourism hub of Morocco.

• The "Golden Age" of Trade (16th–17th centuries): After coming under the rule of the Saadian dynasty, Agadir became the country's main port. Sugar, spices, hides, and wax were exported through it, bringing wealth to the city and strengthening its economic importance in the region.
• Period of Decline (Late 18th – 19th centuries): In 1760, by decree of the Sultan, the port was closed to international trade in favour of the new harbour in Essaouira. This decision led to the almost complete economic desolation of Agadir, which turned into a small fishing village for a century and a half.
• Revival during the Protectorate Era (Early 20th century): After the Agadir Crisis of 1911 and the establishment of the French protectorate, the city began to develop actively. A modern port and canneries were built, boosting the development of fisheries and industry.
• Catastrophic Earthquake (1960): On February 29, 1960, a powerful earthquake almost completely destroyed the old city, claiming the lives of approximately 15,000 people. This event became a tragic but turning point in Agadir's history, erasing its past and paving the way for a complete rebirth.
• Large-Scale Reconstruction (1960s): By the will of King Mohammed V, a decision was made to rebuild the city anew, 2-3 km south of the epicentre, using earthquake-resistant technologies. This urban planning project shaped the modern, spacious, and bright appearance of Agadir, initially oriented towards comfort and safety.
• Emergence as a Tourist Hub (from the 1970s): Thanks to the new development plan, a magnificent beach, and a mild climate, Agadir began to develop rapidly as the country's main beach resort. The construction of modern hotels, restaurants, and a promenade secured its status as a centre of international tourism, generating a significant portion of Morocco's revenue.
• Modern Development (Late 20th - Early 21st centuries): The construction of a marina (yacht port), golf courses, and new tourist complexes has strengthened Agadir's position as one of the leading resorts on the Atlantic coast of Africa. The city continues to actively develop its tourism infrastructure, remaining the economic centre of the entire southern region of Morocco.

The architectural appearance of Agadir is unique and tragic at the same time. It is almost entirely defined by a single event — the devastating earthquake of February 29, 1960, which erased the old city from the face of the earth and opened the way for the creation of a completely new urban environment. Therefore, one cannot speak of classic European styles, such as Gothic or Renaissance, in the context of Agadir. Its history is divided into "before" and "after."

The Pre-Earthquake Era: Traditions and Fortifications

Before 1960, Agadir's architecture was a mixture of traditional Berber and Moroccan development with elements of colonial style. The main and oldest structure was the Kasbah (Agadir Oufella) — a 16th-century fortress erected on a hill to protect the port. It was a powerful fortification, typical of the military architecture of its time, rather than a work of fine architecture. At its foot lay the old quarters, such as Founti and Talborjt, with narrow streets and adobe houses characteristic of traditional Maghreb settlements.

Rebirth in Modernist Style (1960s onwards)

After the disaster, a decision was made to rebuild the city anew, several kilometres south of the epicentre. This became a field for a bold urban planning experiment in the spirit of Modernism, which dominated world architecture in the mid-20th century. The main principles were seismic resistance, functionality, and openness.

• Urban Planning: The new Agadir received wide avenues, spacious squares, and clear zoning — a tourist zone along the coast, residential quarters, and an administrative centre. This approach differed radically from the dense development of old Moroccan cities.
• Architectural Forms: Buildings from the 1960s are characterized by clean geometric lines, the use of reinforced concrete, large windows, and flat roofs. Many projects were developed by leading French and Moroccan architects, such as Jean-François Zevaco, who followed the principles of Le Corbusier.
• Landmarks: The post office building, the municipality, and some hotels of that period are prime examples of post-war modernism, where function determines form.

Modern Trends and Postmodernism

In recent decades, a desire for synthesis has been observed in Agadir's architecture. Modern buildings and tourist complexes, while maintaining modernist spaciousness, increasingly include elements referencing traditional Moroccan aesthetics: arched openings, ornaments, and characteristic colours. The most iconic project in this vein became "La Médina d'Agadir" (Coco Polizzi Medina), built in the 1990s. This is not a historical restoration, but a creative recreation of a traditional Moroccan medina with its alleys, workshops, and riads, built from scratch by Italian architect Coco Polizzi. This complex is a vivid example of postmodernism, playing with historical forms and creating a new cultural space in place of the lost old city.

Distinguished Figures in Agadir's History

The history of Agadir, marked by periods of prosperity, decline, and grand revival, is inextricably linked with the names of those who built, ruled, created, and immortalized this city. Below are the key figures who left their mark on its destiny.

João Lopes de Sequeira

Role: Portuguese navigator and trader.
Historical Significance: Considered the founder of modern Agadir. In 1505, he established a trading post and a small fort, Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gué, at this location, which became the core of the future city and an important Portuguese outpost on the African coast.

Mohammed ash-Sheikh

Role: Founder of the Saadian dynasty, Sultan of Morocco.
Historical Significance: In 1541, his troops recaptured the city from the Portuguese, which was a turning point in Agadir's history. By his order, the famous Kasbah (fortress) was erected on the hill, providing protection for the port and initiating the city's "Golden Age" as a key centre of trans-Saharan trade.

King Mohammed V

Role: King of Morocco (1957–1961).
Historical Significance: After the catastrophic earthquake of 1960, which almost completely destroyed the city, King Mohammed V made the historic decision not to abandon the site but to rebuild Agadir anew. His famous words: "If destiny decided to destroy Agadir, its reconstruction depends on our will," became a symbol of the city's resilience and rebirth.

Jean-François Zevaco

Role: French-Moroccan architect.
Historical Significance: He was one of the leading architects involved in the massive project to rebuild Agadir after 1960. He designed several iconic buildings in the modernist style (including the Post Office and the Fire Station), which shaped the unique, modern, and seismically safe appearance of the new city.

Coco Polizzi

Role: Italian architect and master craftsman.
Historical Significance: In the 1990s, he created the "New Medina" (La Médina d'Agadir) — a unique architectural complex built from scratch using traditional Berber techniques. This project became not just a tourist attraction, but a symbolic bridge between the lost old city and modern Agadir.

Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine

Role: Writer and poet.
Historical Significance: One of the most significant Moroccan writers of the 20th century, originally from the Souss region. The 1960 earthquake had a profound impact on him and became the central theme of his famous novel "Agadir" (1967). Through his work, he captured the tragedy and spirit of the city, making it a part of world literature.