Western Sahara: history and economy

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

What do you think of when you hear the phrase "Western Sahara"? Surely you imagine the golden sands of deserts, oases among endless lands and tired travelers traveling across the Sahara and dreaming of finding their happiness. But everything is not as poetic as it seems at first glance. The history of this place is full of tragic battles and the ongoing struggle for the independence of the motherland. But, despite this, the Sahara is fraught with many mysteries and legends that tell us how one of the most attractive and frightening corners of the Earth appeared.

History

Few people know that the history of Western Sahara dates back long before our era, when the Carthaginian navigator and politician Gannon decided to establish Phoenician colonies along the western coast of Africa. His journey is not ordinary. Every person living in those days knew that the ship sails easily, only spreading the sail when the wind currents help it. Therefore, getting south, sailing along Africa, was not so difficult. But on the way back, the sailors had to overcome the north and northeast winds, inAs a result of this, the Carthaginians discovered for themselves a method of movement, which they later called "manoeuvring." It was Gannon who laid the idea of traveling by sea, with the aim of discovering new lands and exploring uncharted territories. His name, one of the few, is known to people today. For his journey, he prepared 60 ships, on which he was accompanied by 30 thousand men and women. When Hanno finally set foot on the coast of Morocco, he immediately established a colony. This place is now Rabat, the cultural and political center of the country, the first thing he erected there is a religious temple. In total, five cities were founded on the coast of Morocco.

The history of the land of deserts and endless sand of one of the parts of Africa, Western Sahara, was born very ambiguous and difficult. At all times, the population of the Sahara was made up of nomadic tribes. The power of some was replaced by others, but one thing remained unchanged: the struggle for leadership, the desire to survive, no matter what. Previously, the desert territories were inhabited by Berber and Arab tribes. Also, there was the emergence and formation of states no less strong and ready for military battles, for example, the Arab-Berber states. Over the long years of their existence, they will be able to conquer not only the Northern and Western parts of Africa, but also the impregnable Iberian Peninsula, with the countries located on it.

Severe living conditions grew warriors, real fighters, hardy and merciless. Human nature makes us look for the best conditions for the life of people, their offspring and,of course, fight for them. But in order to survive, a person needs to unite, as they say, one man is not a warrior. It was here, on the territory of Western Sahara, that a strong union of the Sanhaji and Lemtun tribes formed, which later laid the foundation for the Almoravid state.

Origination

The emergence of the Almoravid state was the first step towards the cultural and political flourishing of the peoples of Western Sahara. In the 11th century, the nomads of the Berber tribes of the Sanhaja and Lemtuna, led by Yusuf ibn Tashfin, hid the lower part of their face under a dark cloth, which they called "lisam", just as their ruler did. As you know, the name of a particular tribe, a society of people is given according to their distinctive features. Also, the Almoravids were no exception. Due to the fact that they "wrapped up" themselves, they were called al-mutalassimun. But to a wider circle of people they are known as al-murabitun, in other words, "people from the fortress." We all understand that, passing on concepts from generation to generation, its sound and form itself are gradually changing. As a result, the designation of the Almoravid dynasty took root in various European languages, including Spanish.

Army

The Almoravid army inhabiting Western Sahara was very strong. She, under the leadership of one of the military commanders, Yusuf ibn Tashfin, was able to conquer Morocco, capturing the largest cities - Fes, Tangier, Tlemcen and Ceuta. During 1086-1146, the Almoravids, being a dynasty of the WesternSahara, kept their power over the southern part of Spain unshakable. This continued until the Almohads took their place. They were a new religious movement that arose among the Arab-Berber tribes of Morocco. Supporters of the newly formed ideas accused the Almoravids of neglecting the unshakable principles of Islam. The long, well-known rivalry with the Sanhaji tribe characterized the Almohads as opponents of the Almoravids, who, in turn, always relied on the Sanhaji. The Almohad Empire included only Muslim Spain and Morocco, thus yielding in territory to the Almoravid state, which included Western Sahara and Mauritania. This also influenced the power emanating from the ruling dynasty, the strength of its application. The Almohads ruled from 1147 to 1269.

Unrest in the Sahara

When the Almoravids ended their existence, and Western Sahara was again left to itself, it began to be inhabited by nomads, people moving from place to place in search of favorable conditions for life. Now the desert population was distinguished by the fact that the people did not seek and did not want to create a political state, to bind themselves by any boundaries of the law. But at the same time, despite the lack of sovereign power, certain areas of Western Sahara have taken control of the Moroccan dynasties.

Despite numerous wars and the transfer of land to various authorities, Morocco considered the Sahara to be a place completely controlled by them, which in fact wasfar from it. Full or total control of the region was impossible. Western Sahara is a place through which an important trade route passed. He played a big role in world cultural interaction. Caravans from Guinea, Mauritania and other countries were sent to Morocco through Western Sahara. But it should be said that all trade routes were under the protection of the Saharan nomads, who were also called "great nomads." It was they who demanded tribute from passing ships.

Desert

Red Stream, or Seguiet el-Hamra, was the name given to the northern part of Western Sahara. The Spaniards called the valley of the deserts Rio de Oro - "Golden River". No wonder we started talking about Spain, because this country had a huge impact on the formation of modern Western Sahara. Soon, as a result of growing interest in the African continent, colonization took place.

It's no surprise that the richest and most powerful powers, such as Britain and France, got the best territories. And Spain by this time had rather weakened in its influence, therefore it was forced to colonize Western Sahara, whose natural resources and unfavorable conditions were unattractive. But do not forget that the desert was inhabited by freedom-loving and free nomads. In their interests there was no total control of the Spaniards over their lands. That is why the colonialists were rebuffed by the local population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And the leader of the uprising was Ma al-Ainin, who was also called the "king of the desert." He was a religious leader and preacher.

The struggle for independence continued for a long time. At this time, cities were built, fortresses, mosques and shopping arcades were built. The center of the confrontation of the colony was the city of Smara, the construction of which began Ma al-Ainin. It is impossible to convey in words all the cruelty that took place at that time in the valley of deserts and sands. What strength and courage people showed when they won their independence, fighting for freedom and the opportunity to live without being controlled by the colonialists!

After enduring Moroccan claims, the battles of the Polisario Front and the Saharan War, the people of the desert finally got their share of freedom. But not everything turned out to be so simple. Western Sahara is still considered a disputed territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front, whose goal is to defend the interests of the indigenous Western Saharan population. Most world powers do not recognize the independence of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic. All of the above does not allow people to fully create a political state. As a result of many battles, the POLISARIO front separated the so-called "free zone", where Moroccan troops have no right to enter. Mostly nomads live there, only 30-40 thousand people, they are mostly engaged in cattle breeding, camels. And all the other Saharans live in refugee camps, which also prevents the population of Western Sahara from reuniting and building a decent functioning civilization that can develop society, create something new, create.

Capital

Currently, the capital of Western Sahara is the city of El Aaiun, helocated in northwest Africa, its population is 217,732 people. This is the largest city in the Sahara, it is located near the Atlantic Ocean, so the climate there is quite mild. The terrain can be called dune. But, unfortunately, due to the fact that the city was built relatively recently, it does not play the role of the cultural and historical center of Western Sahara. Despite this, it houses some art monuments, museums, etc.

Speaking of the cities of Western Sahara, one cannot say that they have outstanding historical monuments or cultural values. But they undoubtedly keep a unique history associated with real, pure religious faith, with the struggle for independence and upholding freedom in the name of a favorable life for future generations.

State system

Currently, the state of Western Sahara is governed by President Brahim Ghali. He is also Chairman of the Polisario Front since July 12, 2016. The current Prime Minister of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic is Mohamed Wali Akeik. The flag of Western Sahara consists of the colors associated with the Islamic faith - black, red, white, green. The image of the flag was adopted on February 27, 1976. It should be noted that initially this flag was used by the Polisario front, some note a clear resemblance to the image of the flag of Palestine. Since Western Sahara is a Muslim-majority region, the flag features a crescent and a star in the middle. They areimportant symbols of Islam.

Is there a second capital?

It should be noted that the temporary capital of Western Sahara is considered to be the town of Bir Lelu, since El Aaiun is located in the Moroccan zone, like all major cities. With regard to geography, a little should be said about the relief of Western Sahara. On its territory there are mountains looking high into the sky, and the extinct crater of the Emi-Kushi volcano, and plains completely covered with sand, but the most important thing is s alt lakes. It was they who gave rise to one of the sectors of the economy - the extraction of table s alt by the population of Western Sahara. Also, people are engaged in the extraction of phosphates, fishing for export and, of course, agriculture and cattle breeding.

Describing the valley of sands and deserts, I would like to talk about the coins of Western Sahara. The Sahara peseta is the name of the currency used in the region. Initially, in 1990, coins were issued as collectibles, but a few years later they began to produce monetary units in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 pesetas. It should be clarified that dirham, dinar, ouguiya and euro are also used in Western Sahara. They are actively used in circulation.

Modern world

So, speaking about the current situation in the region, it should be said that Morocco has a great influence on Western Sahara. Non-recognition of independence by other powers forces the inhabitants of the Sahara to lead a lifestyle of nomads or refugees, does not give development to the country's economy, cultural and political progress. For Western Sahara to be constantly in a state of progress, to improve its economy, the production of s alt, phosphate,there should be a construction of state institutions, an increase in the level of medicine and education. For example, Saharan schoolchildren are forced to study in nearby regions, as there are either very few or non-existent educational institutions. But for all this to happen, the ongoing struggle for independence must end, the shedding of blood must stop, a decision must finally be made.

In this case, the centuries-old history of wars and terror will be forgotten, a new economy and culture of society will be born. Also, do not forget about the museums and art monuments that are located in the capital of Western Sahara. The purpose of the population is to increase architectural structures, historical finds. But for all of the above, freedom and faith in a bright future are needed, unity is needed, which the inhabitants of Western Sahara do not currently have.

Conclusion

The whole world is watching the situation, which will soon be resolved by the UN. It is possible that Western Sahara will be recognized by the international powers for its independence. But, despite the current situation, we can safely say that this is a place with its rich, centuries-old history, cultural and historical values \u200b\u200bthat should not be forgotten, with residents who, without fear and doubt, are fighting for their independence, no matter what. And for this alone, we must respect the population of Western Sahara and this beautiful, mysterious and alluring desert valley.