TANGIER ON THE RIFF COAST OF MOROCCO

“Tangier on the Riff Coast of Morocco” is a black and white silent film from the short-lived travelogue series “Wonders of the World Travel.” It presents scenes of Tangier captured between 1920 and 1930 as it became an international zone managed by colonizing powers. In this era it was a destination for bohemians, American and European diplomats, spies, writers and businessmen. Footage provides a brief but penetrating look into the people and landmarks of Tangier including the Grande Mosque of Tangier, the Grand Socco, the Kasbah of Tangier, Palace of the Italian Institutions, Rock of Gibraltar as well as some of the city’s many gates considered a part of their tangible heritage. The series was released between 1929 and 1935 produced by Resolute World Cruise. Episodes toured the US, Madeira, Tangier and Portugal delivering a glimpse into history, travel and culture of the era. Tangier sits within what is known as the ‘Riff;’ or ‘Riff Mountains’ of northern Morocco. Morocco gained independence in 1960. Tangier remains a cultural hub.

00:00 Main titles (:09). The skyline of Tangier appears as viewed from the water looking towards a boat and houses along the shoreline (:19). Locals pass under of the ancient gates of Medina (:27). Morocco’s population is predominately Muslim. Two men walk towards the camera under loose hoods of the traditional djellaba (:39). Women stand close under an archway (:43) covering their faces against the camera. Moroccans congregate on a bustling city corner near a Librairie Papeterie (bookstore) (:50). A group wearing head wraps drives forward with a donkey in front of buildings reading “Magasin Au Chic” indicating a French fashion store and the ever prevalent French reign over a predominately Muslim culture (1:10). A narrow alleyway appears littered with other French owned shops (1:11); youth and adults move draped under cloaks. Footage gets between the pedestrians capturing shots of a man adjusting his donkey’s pack (1:23) and youth walking close to the camera. The Grand Mosque of Tangier; also known as the Friday Mosque (1:35) dates to the early 19th century during the Alaouite Period. Cloaked Moroccans fill the cobblestone streets of the Grand Socco attributed with being heart of Tangier (1:47). A woman purchases goods from a small vendor (2:00). A group sit behind woven baskets (2:17). Personal shots highlight a woman seated with her child (2:29) and a couple (2:37). The Kasbah of Tangier follows (3:07). The historic Citadel and fortified high point of the old city was the military and political heart. Camera angles run down another alley way (3:11). A young girl holds a child’s hand (3:47). Footage focuses on the faces of youth (3:58). A section tours the Palace of the Italian Institutions originally erected in 1914 as the Moulay Hafid Palace for Sultan Moulay Hafid (4:11). The Italians purchased the building with funds received through the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1927. It continued to operate as an Italian School until 1986. It remains a historic site and another mark of Tangier’s complex history as a shared zone. Images capture it’s stunning Moorish architecture comprised of zellij tiles, stucco, grand arches and ornate woodwork (4:22). It’s beauty is matched by the view it offers over the Strait of Gibraltar at a point where the Mediterranean and Atlantic waters mingle (4:29). The film concludes as travelers board tender boats (4:36) for a large ocean liner (4:41). Passengers watch the Rock of Gibraltar (4:53) on the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. A couple hangs over the balcony sighting the Europa Point Lighthouse (5:16).