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Important Trading Centers in India and Morocco

This striking hand-colored copperplate engraving from the Civitates Orbis Terrarum, the monumental city atlas published by Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg, provides an evocative visual representation of four important cities during the late 16th century. Each city is depicted in meticulous detail, reflecting both the cartographers' dedication to accuracy and their artistic flair.

Anfa (Quibusdam Anaffa) 

The top-left view depicts Anfa, an ancient city located in present-day Casablanca, Morocco. By the late 16th century, Anfa was a minor yet strategically significant city along the Atlantic coast of North Africa. Though it had been a thriving center in earlier centuries, particularly during the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties, by the time this view was created, Anfa was under the control of the Portuguese, who had seized it in 1468. They razed the city to suppress piracy, which had plagued the region. However, the city was rebuilt and would eventually grow into the major port city of Casablanca in the centuries to come. 

Anfa's significance lay in its position along the trade routes between Europe and West Africa, as well as its proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar. During the period, it was a focal point in the struggles between European powers, particularly the Portuguese, and local Berber states.

Azemmour (Azzaamurum)

To the right of Anfa is Azemmour, another Moroccan city that, by the late 16th century, was also under Portuguese control. The city is shown with its distinct fortified walls, a testament to its importance as a stronghold in the region. The Portuguese captured Azemmour in 1513, exploiting internal conflicts within the local Wattasid Sultanate. The city was a key part of the Portuguese network of coastal fortresses in North Africa, aimed at controlling trade and protecting their maritime routes.

Azemmour was crucial for its location along the Oum Er-Rbia River, a vital artery for inland trade. The city also served as a launch point for further Portuguese incursions into Morocco and as a base for controlling the lucrative sugar trade. However, Portuguese control was always tenuous, and by the late 16th century, the influence of the Portuguese in Morocco was waning due to growing resistance and the rise of the Saadian dynasty.

Diu (Diiv) 

The center image presents Diu, a small island and town on the coast of Gujarat, India. Diu was a key point of contention between the Portuguese and the Ottoman Empire, as well as local Indian sultanates. Captured by the Portuguese in 1535, Diu became one of the most important outposts in the Estado da Índia, the network of Portuguese colonies and trading posts across Asia. The map shows Diu as a fortified city, with its imposing walls and strategic position guarding the entrance to the Gulf of Khambhat.

Diu was essential for controlling maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the spice trade. Its fortifications reflected the intense military and naval conflicts of the time, especially between the Portuguese and the forces of the Ottoman Empire and their allies. The Battle of Diu in 1509 marked a decisive Portuguese victory, solidifying their dominance in the region for much of the 16th century.

Goa (Goa fortissima Indiae urbs in Christianorum potestatem anno Salutis 1509)

 The bottom image illustrates Goa, labeled here as "Goa fortissima Indiae urbs," highlighting its status as a "most fortified city." Captured by the Portuguese in 1510 under Afonso de Albuquerque, Goa quickly became the capital of Portuguese India and one of the most important cities in the Portuguese Empire. The city is depicted with its extensive fortifications, churches, and other European-style buildings, indicating its transformation into a Christian and European-dominated city. 

Goa was the heart of Portuguese power in Asia, serving as the administrative and commercial capital of their vast maritime empire in the East. It was a melting pot of cultures, where European, Indian, and African influences merged. Goa controlled vital trade routes, particularly in spices, textiles, and other valuable commodities. The city also became a significant center for Christian missionary activities, particularly Jesuits, who established educational institutions and converted many local inhabitants.

Conclusion

This view from Braun & Hogenberg captures the essence of four critical cities in the Portuguese Empire's network during the late 16th century. Each city played a unique role in the geopolitical landscape of the time, whether as military strongholds, commercial hubs, or centers of cultural exchange. The detailed representation of these cities not only reflects their importance but also provides a visual record of the era's complex interactions between European colonial powers and the diverse regions they sought to control.