Why does Spain want Melilla and Ceuta?

For centuries, Ceuta and Melilla were vital port cities, offering protection for Spanish ships and acting as trading posts between Europe and Africa. In the 1930s, Spanish troops garrisoned in the two cities played a major role in future dictator Francisco Franco’s uprising against their government.

Why does Ceuta belong to Spain?

Because of Ceuta’s commercial importance in ivory, gold, and slaves, it was continually disputed until Portugal gained control (1415). The port passed to Spain in 1580 and was assigned to Spain in the Treaty of Lisbon (1688).

How would you characterize the political status of Ceuta and Melilla?

Ceuta and Melilla enjoy local autonomy and have their own governments, led by city presidents. They return deputies and senators to the Spanish parliament. Until 1995 they were administered by provincial governments – Cadiz for Ceuta, and Malaga for Melilla.

Does Morocco claim Ceuta and Melilla?

“Under international law, Morocco doesn’t have strong claims to Ceuta and Melilla, which have been Spanish for hundreds of years. There are significant legal and political barriers to any change in status of those territories in favour of Morocco,” writes Dr Jamie Trinidad of Cambridge University in the UK.

Is Ceuta worth visiting?

Ceuta is the largest Spanish enclave in Morocco and is worth visiting for a few hours. If anything, the experience of going into Spain for a day is fun. I haven’t visited Spain for many years and I found it entertaining to eat the food and listen to the language for a few hours.

Why does Melilla belong to Spain?

Melilla was the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government in July 1936, thus helping precipitate the Spanish Civil War. Melilla was retained by Spain as an exclave when Morocco attained independence in 1956.

Are Ceuta and Melilla colonies?

Ceuta and Melilla, both military emplacements, are fully paid-up parts of Spain whose citizens elect their own representatives in the Madrid parliament and have exactly the same rights as any other Spaniard. “[Ceuta and Melilla] have never been colonies and are not now.”

Is Ceuta safe?

Be a smart, safe traveler. We felt perfectly safe while in Ceuta, but we heard there were some places in Ceuta you wouldn’t want to visit at night. Overall, Ceuta is poorer than the rest of Spain, so just be aware of your surroundings. Read more of our travel safety tips here.

Does Melilla belong to Spain?

Melilla, Spanish exclave, military base, and free port on the northern coast of Morocco. Melilla was the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government in July 1936, thus helping precipitate the Spanish Civil War. Melilla was retained by Spain as an exclave when Morocco attained independence in 1956.

Is Ceuta Spain safe?

We felt perfectly safe while in Ceuta, but we heard there were some places in Ceuta you wouldn’t want to visit at night. Overall, Ceuta is poorer than the rest of Spain, so just be aware of your surroundings. Read more of our travel safety tips here.

Is Melilla Spain safe?

Melilla is a safe city to visit, though not unconditionally so. There are always lots of people enjoying the beach, etc. until late; though it is not advisable to travel alone at night, even in the city centre. Street robbery is not an uncommon occurrence for people walking alone at night in Melilla.

Are Ceuta and Melilla in the EU?

Ceuta and Melilla are not included in the EU Customs territory. They also apply to trade between Ceuta and Melilla and those third countries under the rules of origin of these agreements.

Why does Morocco claim Melilla and Ceuta?

Morocco continues to claim possession of both enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta. Spain argues that its historical presence at these specific locations predates the existence of the modern country of Morocco and therefore refuses to turn over the cities.

How did Spain gain control of the north of Spain?

Spain continued its influence in the north, however, with control of two port cities, Melilla and Ceuta. These two cities had been trading posts since the era of the Phoenicians. The Spanish gained control over them in the 15th and 17th centuries after a series of struggles with other competing countries, namely Portugal.

What is the difference between Melilla and Al Aqsa?

These cities, enclaves of European heritage in the land the Arabs call “Al-Maghrib al Aqsa,” (the farthest land of the setting sun), remain in Spanish control today. Melilla is the smaller of the two cities in land area.