Why does Spain have Ceuta?

When Spain recognized the independence of Spanish Morocco in 1956, Ceuta and the other plazas de soberanía remained under Spanish rule. Spain considered them integral parts of the Spanish state, but Morocco has disputed this point. Culturally, modern Ceuta is part of the Spanish region of Andalusia.

Why does Spain want Ceuta?

Ceuta sits right on the Strait of Gibraltar, directly across the sea from the British territory. In fact, both cities have served over the years as military and trade enclaves for Spain, linking Africa to Europe, and with sizeable military populations.

Why does Spain still own Ceuta and Melilla?

1688 - Ceuta remains under Spanish control after the union between Portugal and Spain ends. 1936 - Melilla is the first Spanish town where the military garrison revolts against the Popular Front Government at the start of the Spanish Civil War. 1956 - Spain retains Ceuta and Melilla after Morocco becomes independent.

How did Spain acquire Ceuta?

Ceuta and Melilla are two of the most important Spanish-controlled enclaves in Northern Morocco following the end of “Reconquista”. Melilla was the first to fall under Spanish rule in 1497, and Ceuta, which had been seized by Portugal in 1415, was transferred to Spain under the Treaty of Lisbon in 1668.

Why does Spain have a piece of Morocco?

By a Franco-Spanish treaty of 27 November 1912, Spain was granted a protectorate over Morocco's Mediterranean littoral, referred to as Spanish Morocco. Ceuta, Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera and Melilla thereafter were absorbed into this entity.

Why Spain (Still) Has Cities in Africa

How did Morocco lose Spain?

The northern zone became part of independent Morocco on 7 April 1956, shortly after France relinquished its protectorate. Spain finally ceded its southern zone through the Treaty of Angra de Cintra on 1 April 1958, after the short Ifni War.

Why is Morocco French and not Spanish?

Spanish was used in northern Morocco and Western Sahara due to Spanish occupation of those areas and the incorporation of Spanish Sahara as a province. After Morocco declared independence in 1956, French and Arabic became the main languages of administration and education, causing the role of Spanish to decline.

Why does Spain still own Ceuta?

When Spain recognized the independence of Spanish Morocco in 1956, Ceuta and the other plazas de soberanía remained under Spanish rule. Spain considered them integral parts of the Spanish state, but Morocco has disputed this point. Culturally, modern Ceuta is part of the Spanish region of Andalusia.

Why does Spain own Melilla?

Melilla was the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government in July 1936, thus helping precipitate the Spanish Civil War. Melilla was retained by Spain as an exclave when Morocco attained independence in 1956.

Why did Portugal take Ceuta?

Ceuta's position opposite the straits of Gibraltar gave it control of one of the main outlets of the trans-African Sudanese gold trade; and it could enable Portugal to flank its most dangerous rival, Castile.

Why does Spain have 2 cities in Africa?

For centuries, Ceuta and Melilla were vital port cities, offering protection for Spanish ships and acting as trading posts between Europe and Africa. In the 1930s, Spanish troops garrisoned in the two cities played a major role in future dictator Francisco Franco's uprising against their government.

Why does Spain still have cities in Africa?

It's had them for hundreds of years and won't give them up. The two enclaves—Ceuta and Melilla—have been under Spanish control for more than 400 years. Located on the African side of the Strait of Gibraltar, the cities offered protection for Spanish ships and provided posts for trading between Europe and Africa.

Are Ceuta and Melilla protected by NATO?

MADRID – Ceuta and Melilla will be protected under NATO's military umbrella. The Alliance's new strategic concept includes the defence of the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of member states.

Why is Ceuta not part of Morocco?

Spain recognised the independence of Morocco in 1956, however, Ceuta and other Plazas de Soberenia remained under Spanish rule. Since then, these territories are disputed by Morocco. Until 1995, Ceuta was part of the Province of Malaga. Since then, Ceuta has an autonomous status.

Does Morocco claim Ceuta?

The two tiny territories are Europe's only territory on the African mainland and have been under Spanish rule since the 17th century. Since Morocco's independence, however, the country has insisted that Ceuta and Melilla are yet to be decolonized.

Can you enter Ceuta?

You will need a passport to cross 2 the border with Morocco in either direction and official ID to book passage between mainland Spain and Ceuta. Rules for immigration are the same as for Spain.

Did Spain ever own Morocco?

The Spanish protectorate over northern Morocco extended from Larache (El-Araish) on the Atlantic to 30 miles (48 km) beyond Melilla (already a Spanish possession) on the Mediterranean. The mountainous Tamazight-speaking area had often escaped the sultan's control.

Is Melilla part of Schengen?

Yes, the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla are officially considered part of the Schengen Area.

How safe is Ceuta?

The Ceuta - Morocco border is closed at the moment. Ceuta is safe for visitors, but it is recommended that you follow local guidelines and refrain from walking in remote areas at night. The official language of Ceuta is Spanish. Due to its proximity to Morocco, the Arabic and Berber languages are also common.

Where in Spain do most Muslims live?

While Ceuta and Melilla are majority Muslim, their neighborhoods are separated between Muslims and Christians from the Iberian Peninsula.

Did Morocco eliminate Spain?

Spain eliminated from World Cup after penalty shootout loss to Morocco in round of 16.

When did Portugal lose Ceuta?

After the loss of the city in a surprise attack in 1415 known as the Conquest of Ceuta, the Sultan gathered an army four years later and besieged the city. The Portuguese gathered a fleet under the command of Princes Henry the Navigator and John of Reguengos to relieve Ceuta.

What do Moroccans think of Spanish?

37% of Moroccans consider Spaniards to be “intolerant”; a figure that can be easily understood by the difficulties Moroccan immigrants suffer in Spain to open mosques. Rulers of both countries are aware of these results in regards to public opinion.

Can I speak French in Morocco?

Locations. French is an official language of Morocco, but is more widely spoken in the southern regions of the country. Arabic and Berber are spoken throughout, and you'll hear Spanish in the northern region towards Tangier (which is the closest Moroccan city to Spain).