To the character and importance of the Portuguese activities in Morocco 1415-1769

The Portuguese era in Morocco can me defined by the years 1415-1769, nevertheless, the Portuguese interest in so-called Berber lands goes back to 12th century. The Portuguese sovereigns constantly wanted to control the frequent naval routes run through the Gibraltar channel and connecting the south-west Europe with Mediterranean. One of the main efforts of the Portuguese was to secure the safety for coastal areas of southern province of Algarve, which is primary connected with expansion to Morocco from the geographical point of view. The deep religious exaltation as one of the consequences of reconquista penetrated through all invasions to North Africa and based them from the ideological point of view. The seize of the city of Ceuta, strategically very important port in Gibraltar strait, began the period of Portuguese territorial expansion to non-European areas, which was in 15th century exclusively limited to Morocco, in 1415. The history of the oldest overseas world empire started right here. The necessity to secure the safety for the garrison in Ceuta, to enlarge very limited area for possible operations and to fight off the Castilian threat at the same time, resulted in 1437 in the attack on another very important centre in the Gibraltar channel - Tangier. Nevertheless, this attempt resulted in..