In 2008 I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to conduct research on an early nationalist group in Tunisia named the 'Young Tunisians.' Apparently, the Tunisian government did not deem my project worthy of study and rejected my research clearance. Instead, I was sent to Morocco, where my research has focused on the growth of the city of Tangier.

Owing to its location 8 km from Spain, Tangier has always had close ties to Europe, for better or worse. Its experience as an internationally-administered city from 1923 to 1956 now echoes, as the city experiences rapid economic growth thanks to a massive new port called Tanger-Med and significant investment from Europe in a series of free trade zones. This growth has exerted a significant migratory pull, attracting hundreds of thousands of Moroccans, many from the countryside and without access to decent and lawful housing. At the same time, the city faces an uphill battle in tackling problems such as the drug trade and often illegal migration to Europe, across the Straits of Gibraltar.

'Investment in the Mediterranean' (July 10, 2008)
This article in The Economist first piqued my interest in the extraordinary Tanger-Med project, which is set to become the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean.

'Tangier: decadence and grandeur' by Pascal Airault (November 16, 2008)
Another early article, in Jeune Afrique, which led me to select my topic. It discusses immigration to Tangier and the fascinating arts scene. Translation is my own.

Presentation at the 16th Annual MACECE Symposium (April 18, 2009)
For 16 years, the Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange has organized a conference to give Fulbright researchers a forum for presenting their findings. Select the link above to view my presentation entitled, 'Urban development in Tangier: sustainable growth or reckless expansion?'

'Tangier, urbanization of a myth' by Hanae Bekkari (date)
I have translated here Hanae Bekkari's article, which appeared in Architecture du Maroc in date. The short piece provides an excellent introduction to the mythology, history, and geography of the city of Tangier, from the perspective of one of Tangier's leading architects and urban planners.

'The real estate sector in Tangier' by the Bernossi accounting firm (June 2003)
Although somewhat outdated, this study undertaken by the Bernossi accounting firm for the Association of Real Estate Developers in Tangier offers an excellent overview of the characteristics of the real estate sector in Tangier, looking at supply and demand, trends in the industry, and prospects for the future. Please bear in mind that I am still working on this currently rough translation.

Introduction to my final report on Tangier (in progress)
For the final product of my Fulbright research, I intend to write a detailed, comprehensive article on the current growth of Tangier, from historical, economic, social, and urbanistic perspectives. The document above is the introduction of my report, which I am currently in the process of completing.

The cost of living in Tangier
Tangerinos often gripe about the high cost of living in their city, which is reputedly the most expensive in Morocco. How deserved is this reputation? I present some statistics and a brief analysis of this question here.

Real estate advertising collection (coming soon)