Al Hoceima
Al Hoceima (Arabic: الحسيمة)[2] is a city in the north of Morocco, on the northern edge of the Rif Mountains and on the Mediterranean coast. It is the capital city of the Al Hoceima Province. The city is a known tourist destination despite its small size. It has a population of about 56,716, according to the 2014 census.[1]
Al Hoceima
الحسيمة (Arabic)
1925
1955
12.62 km2 (4.87 sq mi)
112 m (367 ft)
56,716
4,500/km2 (12,000/sq mi)
Al Hoceima is recognized as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Morocco. It is distinguished by its pristine sandy beaches such as Cala Iris, Bades, Quemado, and Tala Youssef, as well as its mountainous rocky terrain. Efforts are underway to further integrate parts of Al Hoceima into the municipality through the construction of new roads, aimed at improving transportation infrastructure.
Name[edit]
The name Al Hoceima is paradoxically an Arabisation of what was already an Arabic derived word introduced by the Spaniards, since it comes from a Spanish word (Alhucemas – literally meaning "Lavenders") which is itself Andalusi in Arabic origin (Al Khazama). After independence, the Moroccan government established an Arabised name for Alhucemas coming up with Al Hoceima, following the standard French spelling.
History[edit]
Early and colonial history[edit]
The Berber tribe of the Ait Ouriaghel (also "Beni Urriaguel") dominated the area around Al Hoceima,[3] where Abd el-Krim, whose father was a qadi of the Aith Yusuf clan of the Ait Ouriaghel tribe,[4] organised a guerilla force to fight against the Spanish during the Rif War and, in 1921, established the Republic of the Rif. In September 1925 Spanish General José Sanjurjo landed with his troops on the beach of Al Hoceima and claimed the territory for Spain.[5]
The Spanish developed the town and named it Villa Sanjurjo, for general Sanjurjo.[6] The first mayor was Florian Gómez Aroca.
Economy[edit]
The city's income is based on fishing and tourism. Many of its former inhabitants migrated to Europe during the 1960s through 1980s; large numbers of Moroccans in the Netherlands, France and Belgium were Al Hoceima natives, many of whom return to Al Hoceima during the summer, when the town is also frequented by tourists from Germany and France.[6]
The town beach is Plage Quemado, which is also where fishers bring in their catch. A quieter beach is in nearby Asfiha. The Torres de Alcala and Kalah Iris beaches are also considered Al Hoceima beaches, though they are 60 km from town.[6]
Transport[edit]
The city is served by the Cherif Al Idrissi Airport.
Education[edit]
There is a Spanish international school, Instituto Español Melchor de Jovellanos.
Abdelmalek Essaâdi University - Campus of Al Hoceima contains:
Faculty of Science and Technology - FST
National School of Applied Sciences - ENSA'H
Multidisciplinary Faculty - FPH (Under Construction)
National School of Commerce and Management - ENCG (Under Construction)
