SAFI

formerly Asfi, Atlantic port city, provincial capital, and province, Tensift region, western Morocco. Originally settled by the Canaanites, Safi city was, in turn, inhabited by Carthaginians (who named it Asfi), Romans, Jews, Goths, and finally by the Muslims in the 11th century. It was a ribat (fortress of the holy war) in the 13th century and was mentioned by the historian Ibn Khaldun. The Portuguese occupied Safi (150841) and built a citadel, which now surrounds the 18th-century Keshla (Casbah). Safi reached its height of prosperity under the late 16th- and early 17th-century Sa'dian sultans. Extending along the coast and climbing the inland plateau, the city is a mixture of medieval and modern architecture. Safi port (artificial harbour) serves Marrakech, 85 mi (140 km) to the southeast; exports phosphates from Youssoufia, with which it is connected by rail; is a major fishing port with sardine canneries; and produces textiles. The city has chemical (phosphate-based) and food-processing industries located nearby to the south and is known for its pottery. In the hinterland around Safi, cereals (primarily barley), olives, sheep, goats, and cattle are raised. Pop. (1982) mun., 197,309.