The Spanish Empire colonised the Americas, the Caribbean, and portions of Africa, making it one of the largest empires in history. From 1884 to 1976, Spain colonised the African territory known as Western Sahara, which was then termed the Spanish Sahara.
Every year on August 14, Moroccans observe the Anniversary of the Recovery of Oued Ed-Dahab to commemorate the day this territory was returned to Morocco. Spain occupied Western Sahara from 1884 to 1976. The attempt by Morocco to reclaim the territory resulted in a conflict that lasted nearly sixteen years. Morocco was able to claim a substantial portion of Western Sahara after many years of arduous efforts to reclaim its former territory. This national holiday honours this accomplishment. It’s a significant day in Moroccan history because it marks the end of Spanish colonisation and the beginning of independence.
The Spanish Empire colonised the Americas, the Caribbean, and portions of Africa, making it one of the largest empires in history. From 1884 to 1976, Spain colonised the African territory known as Western Sahara, which was then termed the Spanish Sahara. The 1898 Spanish-American conflict ended Spain’s control of the Philippines, Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Western Sahara was the Spanish Empire’s final possession. Spain ceded control of Western Sahara in response to pressure from Morocco and the United Nations. The Western Sahara belonged to Morocco prior to the occupation. After achieving independence in 1956, Morocco attempted to reclaim this territory.
Mauritania, Morocco, and Spain contested land ownership. This sparked the Western Sahara War, which lasted from 1975 to 1991, when Mauritania withdrew. The conflict endured nearly sixteen years and ended in a stalemate. Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania signed the Madrid Accords, which put an end to Spain’s colonisation of the region. The International Court of Justice has ruled that neither Morocco nor Mauritania can assert sovereignty over the territory. Morocco and the Polisario Front agreed to a ceasefire.
The Western Sahara is currently contested territory. The remaining 20% of the territory is controlled by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which is occupied by Morocco. The United Nations does not recognise the sovereignty of Morocco over a significant portion of this territory. Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, which rests beneath this contested territory, is one of the 12 regions of Morocco. Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab has a size of 50,880 km2 and a population of 142,955 individuals. Its capital is Daklah, but it was known as Villa Cisneros during the Spanish occupation. On August 14, 1979, Oued Ed-Dahab was officially returned to Morocco.
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The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859, is the world’s earliest continuously operating university.
Morocco inked a treaty of friendship with the United States in 1777, making it the first nation to recognise the United States as a sovereign nation.
Morocco greeted 10 million tourists in 2013!
Not only is snake-charming a genuine phenomenon, but it is also an ancient technique used in Morocco to keep dangerous snakes away from public areas.
The Atlas Mountains are home to the continent’s highest ski resort at an altitude of 2,600 to 3,100 metres.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 14 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 14 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | August 14 | Thursday |
| 2026 | August 14 | Friday |
| 2027 | August 14 | Saturday |
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