The Kasbah of Essaouira. A fortified naval base on the Atlantic coast of Morocco (18th century)

Essaouira, originally known as Amogdoul or Mogdoul, emerged as a strategically significant fortified naval base on Morocco's Atlantic coast during the 18th century. Its transformation from a Phoenician and Roman dye production site to a planned port city under Alawite Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah in 1765 reflects a blend of Arab-Moroccan Cherifian and European (Vauban, Manueline) military architectural styles. Designed by French engineer Nicolas Théodore Cornut, Essaouira's quadrilateral layout and fortified structures—including walls with bastions, gates, a kasbah, and two cannon batteries—served as both a commercial hub linking Morocco to Europe and a strategic stronghold to suppress the Souss revolt. This study highlights Essaouira's dual role in international trade and military defense during the 18th–19th centuries.

Hadda, L. (2026). The Kasbah of Essaouira. A fortified naval base on the Atlantic coast of Morocco (18th century). PROCEEDINGS of the International Conference on Fortifications of the Mediterranean Coast FORTMED 2026. Vol. 22. https://doi.org/10.4995/fortmed2026.2026.21358