Tangier At Night
A glimpse into another world that seems more at home in the roaring fifties...
by PETER RODGER
Tangier is a quirky Moroccan town situated where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, just nine miles from Spain across the Straits of Gibraltar. This unique location has made Tangier a cultural crossroads for centuries, drawing traders, adventurers, and artists alike. Its strategic position has historically made it a melting pot of diverse influences, from Berber, Arab, and Spanish to French and British.
Famed for hosting Beat Generation writers such as Paul Bowles and William Burroughs, Tangier became a refuge for those seeking inspiration and escape from mainstream society. Paul Bowles, who moved to Tangier in 1947, wrote extensively about his experiences in Morocco, capturing the essence of the city in his novels and stories. Similarly, Burroughs, known for his avant-garde style and controversial works, found a kindred spirit in Tangier’s bohemian atmosphere, famously writing parts of "Naked Lunch" while living there.
The town's allure didn’t stop with literature; it also attracted musicians and artists. Iconic bands like the Rolling Stones spent time in Tangier, drawn by its vibrant nightlife and exotic charm. In fact, they recorded the track “Continental Drift” in our house in 1989. Recently Sting and his wonderful wife, Trudy, joined us for dinner.
The city has a rich musical heritage, fostering various genres and styles, from traditional Moroccan music to Western rock and jazz.
In addition to the literary figures and musicians, Tangier has been home to a plethora of visual artists, including the likes of Henri Matisse and the American painter and photographer, Richard Avedon. These artists were captivated by the town's unique light, architecture, and diverse culture, often depicting its scenes in their work.
These photographs are like a fly on the wall of an evening (well, maybe three) — a glimpse into another world that seems more at home in the roaring fifties than today. They capture the essence of Tangier’s vibrant past, a place where creativity thrived amidst the rich tapestry of its history, and where the whispers of bygone artists still linger in the air, beckoning a new generation to discover its charm.
