Founding of Chefchaouen by Moorish Exiles (1471)

In 1471, Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami founded Chefchaouen in northern Morocco as a defensive Kasbah against Portuguese incursions. The site is located in a mountainous region between Tétouan and Ouazzane.

Episodes

Background and detail

Geographic and Strategic Context. Chefchaouen is situated in a mountainous region in northern Morocco, positioned between Tétouan and Ouazzane. At the time the fortress was erected, Portugal was launching attacks against northern cities and towns in Morocco.

Establishment of the Kasbah. The city was founded in 1471 (876 AH) as a small Kasbah by Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami. He is identified as a distant descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, specifically a descendant of Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish al-Alami and Idris I.

Defensive Motivation. The fortress was erected to help defend the area from potential attacks by Portuguese invaders. Al-Alami built the Kasbah specifically to defend against Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco, responding to the military pressure from Portugal at the time.

People involved

Sources

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