The Case of Ceuta and Melilla
In this article, MaestroMío will explain why Spain has two cities in Africa. Although it may seem like a strange situation, there is a rich history of historical, political, and geographical reasons that explain Spain’s presence on the African continent. Keep reading to learn all the details about this fascinating topic.
Source https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/por-que-ceuta-y-melilla-pertenecen-a-espana-si-estan-en-africa-20225202378
Spain is the only European country that has cities on the African continent. These are Ceuta and Melilla, two enclaves located on the northern coast of Africa, bordering Morocco. Their status as Spanish territories has been the subject of historical and political debate, especially due to Morocco’s claims. But how did they become Spanish, and why do they remain so?
Origins and Conquest of Ceuta and Melilla
➤ Ceuta: Portuguese Occupation and Spanish Annexation
Source https://www.solofondos.com/fondos-pantalla-ceuta.html
Ceuta has been a city of great strategic importance since ancient times, occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Arabs. In 1415, the Kingdom of Portugal conquered Ceuta, marking the beginning of Portuguese expansion in Africa. However, in 1580, Spain and Portugal united under the Iberian Union, bringing Ceuta under Spanish control. When the two countries separated in 1640, Ceuta chose to remain Spanish, formalizing its annexation in 1668 through the Treaty of Lisbon.
➤ Melilla: Spanish Conquest in the 15th Century
Source https://fenici.net/es/melillasmartway-2/8489/
Melilla, on the other hand, was conquered by Spain in 1497 during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. At the time, the Kingdom of Castile and the Crown of Aragon were expanding their influence, consolidating their dominance in the Mediterranean. Melilla was occupied to secure trade routes and prevent attacks from Berber pirates.
Unlike Ceuta, Melilla was never under Portuguese rule and has remained Spanish continuously since its conquest.
A Historical Legacy
Ceuta and Melilla are a legacy of history and have been part of Spain for centuries. Their strategic location and Spanish identity have kept them under Spanish sovereignty despite Morocco’s claims. Today, they remain key points in the relationship between Europe and Africa, as well as multicultural centers where different communities coexist.
