In the late 19th century, Morocco was slowly being woven into the global communication network. One of the most significant milestones in this transformation was the establishment of the first telegraph line in the country, connecting Tangier to Gibraltar in 1880. This groundbreaking project, undertaken by the Eastern Telegraph Company, marked the third telegraphic link between Europe and Africa, playing a crucial role in diplomatic, commercial, and military communications of the time.
A Historic Connection
Before the advent of wireless communication, undersea telegraph cables were the lifelines of international correspondence. The Eastern Telegraph Company, a British firm, was a dominant player in global telecommunications, laying submarine cables across the world. Their Tangier-Gibraltar line was part of a broader network that linked Europe to Africa and beyond, facilitating faster exchanges between governments, businesses, and news agencies.
The choice of Tangier was no coincidence. As a key diplomatic and trade hub in Morocco, the city was already a meeting point for European powers. The telegraph line further cemented its strategic importance, allowing near-instantaneous communication between Africa and Europe, a revolutionary development at the time.
Rue du Telegraphe Anglais: A Street with a Story
The impact of this technological leap was so profound that Tangier honored it by naming a street “Rue du Telegraphe Anglais” (Street of the English Telegraph). This name served as a reminder of the British company’s role in connecting Morocco to the wider world.
The original telegraph office, where operators transmitted Morse code messages across the Mediterranean, was a notable landmark in the city. Over time, as telegraphy gave way to telephones and digital communication, the building lost its original purpose.
From Telegraph Office to Luxury Hotel
Today, the site of the old telegraph office has been transformed into Dar el Kasbah, a charming boutique hotel that blends Moroccan tradition with modern comfort. While guests now enjoy the riad’s serene courtyards and elegant décor, few may realize that this was once the nerve center of Morocco’s first telegraph connection.
A Legacy Remembered
Though the telegraph is now a relic of the past, its introduction in Morocco was a pivotal moment in the country’s modernization. The Tangier-Gibraltar line not only accelerated communication but also symbolized Morocco’s gradual integration into global networks.
Next time you stroll through Tangier’s historic Kasbah district, take a moment to appreciate Rue du Telegraphe Anglais and the hidden history of Dar el Kasbah.
Have you ever visited this Tangier’s old telegraph site? Share your thoughts in the comments!
