Morocco occupies the northwestern corner of Africa, across the Strait of Gibralter from Spain. During most of the nineteenth century, France, Spain, and other European countries maneuvered to gain control of the country. In 1912 it was finally divided; France assumed a protectorate over most of the country but Spain controlled the northern coast and portions of the south. In 1923 Tanger (Tangier) was removed from the Spanish sector to become an international zone. Morocco resumed its independence in 1956, but Spain continues to control the northern cities of Ceuta and Melilla and several small islands off the northern coast.
For lighthouse fans, the implication of this history is that Morocco's lighthouse heritage is partly Spanish and partly French. The French zone of influence extends from Mehdia to Agadir, with Spanish influence to the north and south. However, the design of lighthouses in all parts of the country shows a strong native Moroccan style.
Morocco also administers the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara. Lighthouses of that territory appear on a separate page.
Lighthouses in Morocco are operated by the Ministère de l'Équipement and du Transport (MTP).
ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights. Admiralty numbers are from volumes D and E of the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals. U.S. NGA List numbers are from Publication 113.
- General Sources
Signalisation maritime - List of lights maintained by the Ministère de l'Équipement and du Transport (MTP).
- Photos of Moroccan Lighthouses
- A page of photos salvaged from an inactive folder of the MTP web site.
- Faros del Norte de Africa
- Data and photos posted by Agustín Solabre Suárez on his Libro de Faros web site.
Rabat Light, December 2003
Wikimedia Creative Commons photo by Andy
Wright
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