Morocco’s Argan Oil

 El Jadida: The Coastal Gem of Morocco

El Jadida, a coastal city in Morocco, serves as the capital of the El Jadida Province. It is one of the major cities in the Doukkala region and holds significance as one of the key centers of the former Doukkala-Abda region before its integration into the Casablanca-Settat region in 2015. As of 2014, El Jadida had a population of approximately 200,000 residents. Historically, it was a vital Portuguese colony and one of their most important, if not the last, settlements in Morocco.

Naming and Historical Background

The name "El Jadida," meaning "The New," was given by Sultan Abd ar-Rahman ibn Hisham after the city was rebuilt in 1839 by his cousin, Muhammad ben Tayeb. The Portuguese had destroyed the original settlement following their defeat by Sultan Muhammad ben Abdullah in 1765, leaving it in ruins for over fifty years, leading locals to refer to it as "The Ruined."

Before the Portuguese occupation, the area where they established their fortress was known as "El Burayja," a diminutive form of "Burj," referring to an old Moroccan tower previously located there, also known as "The Sheikh’s Tower." The Portuguese named their fortress "Mazagão," which some researchers believe is derived from "Mazighen," an ancient village in the area. In the 14th century AH (20th century CE), French colonial authorities renamed the city "Mazagan" in its French form.

Historical Context

The Portuguese occupation of El Burayja occurred during the southern phase of the Portuguese conquest of Morocco, which began in the early 16th century and extended southward from the River Oum er-Rbia. This phase was complemented by the northern phase that lasted throughout the 15th century, beginning with the fall of Ceuta in 1415.

Geography

El Jadida is situated on a peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, which gives it a consistently humid climate year-round. The municipality of El Jadida is bordered by the rural communes of El Hozza to the east and Moulay Abdallah to the south. To the south of El Jadida is Sidi Abou Zaid, a coastal town administratively under Moulay Abdallah. The city is governed by the El Jadida provincial authority, located at the intersection of Avenue de l'Armée Royale and Avenue Hmam El Fetouani.

Climate

El Jadida enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and summers, with temperatures rarely exceeding 24°C. Humidity levels range between 75% and 80%. The city has a regional meteorological center that monitors its climate conditions.

Urban Development

For centuries, El Jadida remained a fortified city within the walls of its fortress. Expansion beyond these walls did not begin until the late 19th century under Sultan Hassan I, following the city’s economic revival linked closely to its port. The primary water source for the city is the Oum er-Rbia River.

Transportation

El Jadida is well-connected to other Moroccan cities through road and rail networks. It is accessible via a highway linking it to Casablanca and Rabat. Additionally, the city boasts the Jorf Lasfar port, a major national commercial port situated just a few kilometers to the south.

Community and Religion

The residents of El Jadida practice their collective prayers in over fifty mosques scattered throughout the city. One of the oldest and most notable mosques is the Grand Mosque, also known as the Ibn Hamdounia Mosque. It was completed by the local leader Ibn Hamdounia in the mid-19th century. Another significant mosque is the Old Mosque within the Portuguese fortress, which recently celebrated its 200th anniversary.

Cultural Institutions

The Municipal Theater, located in the city center, is a historic and cultural landmark. Originally named "The Municipal Concert Hall," it was constructed in the mid-20th century and opened in 1923. It remained under French colonial administration until 1947 when it hosted its first Moroccan play, "The Death of Amin," written by Idriss El Massfir. In 2012, the theater underwent renovations and was renamed "The Aififi Theater" in honor of Moroccan theater pioneer Mohammed Said Aififi.

Demographics

As of 2014, the population of El Jadida was approximately 194,934. Most residents are from the Doukkala region, and the city has experienced significant demographic growth since the 1980s due to the establishment of industrial companies attracted by its proximity to Casablanca and its pleasant climate.

Economy

El Jadida's economic importance is amplified by its proximity to Casablanca (less than 100 km north) and the Jorf Lasfar port, Morocco’s premier commercial port. Agriculture remains a key economic activity in the city and its rural surroundings, with about 70% of the active population residing in rural areas. The city's agriculture benefits from abundant water resources and proximity to consumption centers, contributing to diverse production including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruit trees. The region is notable for its fodder crops and sugar beets used in food industries.

The industrial sector began developing in the mid-20th century, with initial enterprises focusing on milling and later expanding into textile production. Since independence, the industrial sector has diversified further.