Sought after because of its strategic position, Tangier very early on was invaded by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians before falling into the hands of Rome. In succession, Carthaginian, Roman (capital of Mauritania Tingis), Vandal, Byzantine, Visigoth and Arab, Tangier had already belonged to Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries, between the Portuguese and English occupations. After a long siege, it was the Alaouite dynasty that obtained Tangier in 1684 under the reign of Moulay Ismaïl.

The origins of the international mandate on Tangier go well back in time. Prior to 1800, Tangier was the home of consulates of the major European nations. In 1923, negotiations ended in turning Tangier into an international zone. On July 24, 1925, the final statute was signed by England, Spain, Belgium, Holland, the United States, Portugal, the Soviet Union and France, joined later by Italy. .

On April 10, 1947, Sultan Moulay Mohammed V, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, gave the first allocution referring to unified and independent Morocco, part of the Arab world. In 1956, in conjunction with the independence of Morocco, the Fedala Conference (October 8 to 29) returned Tangier to Morocco.

The city of the Strait has inspired American and European artists, painters, musicians, writers, poets, film directors, billionaires and celebrities. To mention but just a few names: Delacroix, Saint Saêns, Pierre Loti, Matisse, Van Dongen, Tenessee Williams, Paul Morand, Jean Genet, William Bourroughs, Paul Bowles, Malcom Forbes and Elizabeth Taylor. Among the many admirers of Tangier is also journalist Joseph Kessel who devoted a remarkable book to it in 1952, "Au Grand Socco."

Built at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, Tangier spreads out its magnificent bay at the foot of leafy green mountains. Just like the waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean come together, so do the cultures of Europe, the Arabs, and Africa. It is a melting pot that often astonishes visitors. The inhabitants speak many languages and are friendly, the climate is mild, a huge beach and lush Mediterranean vegetation make this city a first-rate tourist venue. Definitely a destination to visit and revisit. 13

Its attraction and power of seduction through the many statutes it has known across history, have made Tangier a cosmopolitan town and place of inspiration to painters and novelists of international renown. The gate to Africa, Tangier proudly overlooks the Mediterranean, the meeting place of the sea and the ocean between the North and South. From this geostrategic position the city took on its cosmopolitan character.

Various cultures, nationalities, religions and languages landed up here. Bearing witness to this heritage is the Medina and is Hispano-Moresque buildings, the many museums, flower drenched gardens, high winding streets, etc.

Added to this are the many charms that have inspired countless well-known artists such as poets, novelists and film directors. It was in Tangier that Eugène Delacroix rediscovered romanticism, and Matisse was able to observe the special chemistry of colors. Tangier was the place where William Burroughs wrote « The Naked Feast » and Paul Bowles "Tea in the Sahara".

It was also in Tangier that Paul Morand went into exile and Jean Genet found the sun of his eternal rest.