Dakhla history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the modern city began in **1884**, when a Spanish expedition led by Emilio Bonelli landed on the coast of the Río de Oro peninsula. The settlement was named **Villa Cisneros** in honour of Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros. It was one of the first permanent European outposts in the region, established to strengthen the Spanish presence on the African Atlantic coast.

Key Factors of Establishment

The city's development was defined by a unique combination of geographical and logistical advantages:

• Geography: The city is located on a narrow peninsula forming a sheltered bay. This created ideal conditions for anchoring ships and organising a port where the desert meets the ocean.
• Aviation: In the 1920s, Villa Cisneros became a crucial stopover for the pioneers of airmail — the Aéropostale company. Aircraft flying between Toulouse and Dakar landed here.
• Strategic Importance: Initially, the settlement served as a military garrison and administrative centre, ensuring control over the coastal zone.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, the city's economy was built around fishing, as the coastal waters were exceptionally rich in marine resources. The cultural character was formed by the isolated position of the garrison and interaction with local nomadic tribes.

A special role in the city's history was played by the airmail period. The famous writer and pilot **Antoine de Saint-Exupéry** frequently stayed at the local fort, drawing inspiration for his works while observing the endless sands and the ocean.

Era of Foundation and Establishment

• 1884 — A Spanish expedition led by Emilio Bonelli lands on the peninsula and founds the settlement of Villa Cisneros.
• 1885 — Official confirmation of the settlement's status as an administrative centre and the start of the first fortifications.
• 1920s — The city becomes a key transit point for the legendary airline "Aéropostale" on the route from Europe to South America.
• 1927 — Villa Cisneros receives the status of regional capital, which contributes to the development of local infrastructure.
• 1953 — Completion of the Catholic Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, which became an important architectural monument.

Modern Stage of Development

• 1976 — End of the Spanish presence and the beginning of a new chapter in the city's administrative history.
• 1990s — Start of the modernisation of the fishing port, which becomes one of the region's most important economic drivers.
• 2005 — Launch of large-scale programmes to develop tourism potential and attract investment to the region.
• 2010 — Expansion of the international airport, allowing for an increased flow of tourists from Europe.
• 2014 — The city hosts major international kitesurfing competitions, cementing its reputation as a world capital of water sports.
• 2020s — Active construction of eco-friendly hotels and development of infrastructure for sustainable tourism in the lagoon.

Stages of Transformation: From Outpost to Resort

The development of Dakhla is an example of how the intelligent use of geographical location and natural resources can radically change the face of a city. Over the past decades, significant economic and urban planning shifts have occurred here.

• Industrialisation of Fishing.
  The transition from artisanal fishing to the creation of a powerful fishing industry cluster became the foundation of the local economy. The construction of a modern port and seafood processing plants turned the city into a regional industry leader, providing thousands of jobs.
• Opening the "Windy Lagoon" to the World.
  Realising the uniqueness of the local wind patterns led to a reorientation towards sports tourism. Recognition of Dakhla by the global community of kitesurfers and windsurfers sparked the creation of specialised infrastructure right on the bay's shores.
• Development of High-Tech Agriculture.
  Despite the desert climate, an agrarian breakthrough was achieved in the city's outskirts. The use of underground water and modern greenhouse technologies allowed for the cultivation of tomatoes and melons for export, diversifying an economy that previously depended solely on the ocean.
• Modernisation of the Transport Hub.
  The reconstruction and expansion of the airport allowed for the reception of international flights, connecting the city with European capitals. This moved tourism from the category of "extreme travel" to accessible leisure for a wider audience.
• Eco-Tourism and Hotel Business Boom.
  A shift from the concept of simple campsites to the construction of comfortable eco-lodges and boutique hotels. Urban planning policy in recent years emphasises sustainability to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the lagoon amidst a growing flow of guests.
• New Atlantic Port Project.
  The launch of an ambitious project to create a deep-water commercial port, designed to become a logistics hub between Africa and other continents. This construction marks a new stage of urbanisation and commercial significance for the city.

Colonial Era: The Heritage of Villa Cisneros

The architectural core of Dakhla was formed during the period of Spanish presence (late 19th — first half of the 20th century). Urban planning of that time followed strict military and administrative logic, characteristic of remote outposts.

• Style: Colonial functionalism and military style. Buildings were characterised by simple forms, thick walls for protection against heat and wind, and whitewashing, typical for coastal cities.
• Layout: The historic city centre features a clear grid system, designed around the central square and the garrison.
• Landmark Object: Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen. This is a Catholic temple built in the mid-20th century. It stands out for its concise architecture, arched openings, and light facade, serving as a rare example of Spanish religious architecture in the region.

Modern Development and Neo-Moorish Style

Since the late 20th century, the city began to actively expand, moving beyond the old peninsula. Modern development combines the utilitarian modernism of residential districts with traditional elements of Moroccan architecture in public buildings.

• Style: Modern Moroccan style and Neo-Moorish elements. New buildings actively use traditional zellige tiles, carved wooden elements, and minarets integrated into the contemporary urban landscape.
• Infrastructure: An important urban planning element is the new Corniche. This is a landscaped public space connecting the city with the ocean, featuring modern landscape design and walking areas.
• Landmark Objects: The main city mosques, built in recent decades, demonstrate the grandeur of Islamic architecture with tall minarets serving as visual landmarks against the backdrop of low-rise residential buildings.

Eco-Architecture of the Lagoon

A distinct architectural cluster has formed along the shores of the Dakhla lagoon, away from the city centre. Here, development has followed a path of integration into the natural environment.

• Concept: Sustainable architecture and eco-design.
• Features: Instead of permanent concrete structures, lightweight constructions prevail here: wooden bungalows on stilts and luxurious tented structures. This style is dictated by the desire to preserve the fragile desert ecosystem and create an atmosphere of unity with nature.

Founders and Historical Figures

• Emilio Bonelli — Spanish explorer and military officer.
  A key figure in the city's history. It was he who landed on the Río de Oro peninsula in 1884 and founded the settlement of Villa Cisneros (now Dakhla), which became the first permanent Spanish outpost in the region.
• Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros — Cardinal and Spanish statesman.
  Although he lived in the 15th–16th centuries, his name is inextricably linked to the city's history. The original name "Villa Cisneros" was given to the settlement in his honour, which defined the region's toponymy for a century.

Aviation Legends (The Aéropostale Era)

• Antoine de Saint-Exupéry — Writer and pilot.
  Working as a pilot on the Toulouse — Dakar postal line, he frequently made landings at the local fort. The desert landscapes and the solitude of these places inspired him to create famous works, including "Wind, Sand and Stars" and "The Little Prince".
• Jean Mermoz — Pioneering pilot.
  A legendary French aviator who used the Villa Cisneros airfield as a critically important base for refuelling before transatlantic flights to South America.
• Henri Guillaumet — Aviator.
  A colleague of Saint-Exupéry and Mermoz, who regularly visited the city during postal flights. His flights across these territories are considered a feat of early civil aviation.

Modern Figures and Sports Development

• Rachid Roussafi — Athlete and entrepreneur.
  A former Olympic windsurfer, often called the "discoverer" of the Dakhla lagoon for the global community. He founded one of the first sports camps in the region, turning the city into a world capital of water sports.
• Soufiane Hamaini — Kitesurfing champion.
  An international athlete and founder of major sports centres in Dakhla. His activities played a decisive role in popularising the city as a venue for the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) World Championship stages.