Archaeological site of Ksar Sghir

The archaeological site of Ksar Sghir is located on the Mediterranean coast, once known as the Rock of the Romans. Situated 36 miles east of Tangier, the birthplace of the world traveller Ibn Battuta, it occupies a bay protected by surrounding heights, at the mouth of a large river also named Ksar Sghir. The river was capable of accommodating boats and ships that supplied the city and its environs. Archaeologists have determined that Ksar Sghir was originally a Phoenician warehouse before becoming a Roman city. Some reports suggest it was previously called Lissa or Axilisa, as recorded by Pliny the Elder. However, information about Ksar Sghir during the High Middle Ages is scarce. It was referred to as Marsa Bab al-Yim in the 10th century AD, and its current location may have once served as a military base for jihad. Historical Context 1. Idrisid Period During the Idrisid era, the city came under the rule of Qasim ibn Idris II. In 971, the Umayyads of Andalusia attempted to annex the city in a campaign led by Caliph al-Hakam al-Mustansir. Throughout the 10th century, Ksar Sghir was known by several names, including Qasr al-Majaz, Madinat al-Yim, and al-Qasr al-Awwal. By the 11th century, it was called Qasr Masmuda and served as the launching point for the Almoravid emir Yusuf ibn Tashfin’s second conquest of Andalusia in 481 AH. 2. Role in Tariq ibn Ziyad’s Conquest Tariq ibn Ziyad’s forces are believed to have landed near the rocky highland extending into the Mediterranean, later named Mount Tarik and known as Gibraltar in Europe. The Moroccan port for this historic conquest may have been Ksar Sghir or another harbour between Zahara Beach and Oued El Marsa Beach. 3. Almoravid Rule The site gained prominence under the Almoravids, marked by their second conquest of Tarifa from Ksar Sghir in 1088, led by Emir Yusuf ibn Tashfin. 4. Almohad Period In 1195, during Almohad rule, Yaqub ibn Yusuf ibn Abd al-Mu’min crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from Ksar Sghir to Algeciras to confront King Alfonso VIII at the Battle of Alarcos. 5. Marinid Era In 1287, Marinid Sultan Yusuf ibn Yaqub ibn Abd al-Haqq ordered the construction of a circular wall around Qasr al-Majaz and installed fortified gates to secure the city. 6. Portuguese Occupation On 23 October 1458, the Portuguese occupied Ksar Sghir and retained control until 1550. Architectural Significance The medieval city of Ksar Sghir was a small, fortified settlement surrounded by a circular wall approximately 200 metres in diameter. This circular layout is unique in Moroccan and Islamic West design. Covering an area of 1.5 hectares, the site comprises two architectural and urban units: the circular Moroccan city and the Portuguese citadel. Key Features of the Site • Circular city • Church • Mosque • Hammam • Market square • Portuguese citadel • Sea gate • Public square • Moat • Main alleys • Fez Gate • Ceuta Gate • Residential clusters Visitor Experience The site of Ksar Sghir includes a visitor centre that provides insights into its archaeological and historical significance. The centre features a range of artefacts and data, showcasing the importance of this site. Additionally, ongoing archaeological excavations continue to uncover more details about Ksar Sghir’s past.