JADIDA, EL-

formerly (until c. 1960) Mazagan Atlantic port city, north-central Morocco. The settlement developed after 1502 around a Portuguese fort and, as Mazagan, became the centre of Portuguese settlement and their last stronghold (1769) against the Filali (Alaouite) sultans. As an infidel city it was deemed defiled for Muslim habitation and was finally resettled by Moroccan Jews in 1821. It was then named el-Brija el-Jadida (The New Fort). Some Portuguese town walls and churches still stand. The port, which after 1912 was surpassed by Casablanca, is now used chiefly for coastal shipping of agricultural produce and is a seaside resort. Roads link it with Casablanca, Marrakech, and Safi. Pop. (1982) 81,455.