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Melilla Collection

Melilla, a city with a rich and tumultuous history

Background imageMelilla Collection: War in Morocco (colour litho)

War in Morocco (colour litho)
2818448 War in Morocco (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: War in Morocco. The death of General Margallo, Spanish governor of Melilla. La guerre au Maroc)

Background imageMelilla Collection: Fighting between the Riffs and Spanish Troops outside Melilla (litho)

Fighting between the Riffs and Spanish Troops outside Melilla (litho)
1627606 Fighting between the Riffs and Spanish Troops outside Melilla (litho) by Woodville, Richard Caton II (1856-1927) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageMelilla Collection: Riff Tribesmen harassing the Spanish Troops at Melilla (engraving)

Riff Tribesmen harassing the Spanish Troops at Melilla (engraving)
1627587 Riff Tribesmen harassing the Spanish Troops at Melilla (engraving) by Nicolet, Gabriel (1856-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: Riff Tribesmen harassing the Spanish Troops at Melilla)

Background imageMelilla Collection: Young girl in Melilla, Morocco, North Africa

Young girl in Melilla, Morocco, North Africa
Young girl in Melilla, a Spanish city on the coast of Morocco, North Africa. Date: circa 1920s

Background imageMelilla Collection: The Second Melillan Campaign, Morocco (colour litho)

The Second Melillan Campaign, Morocco (colour litho)
2779533 The Second Melillan Campaign, Morocco (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Second Melillan Campaign, Morocco)

Background imageMelilla Collection: The War in Morocco, the Forts and Guerilla Troops covering a Sortie from Melilla made to provision

The War in Morocco, the Forts and Guerilla Troops covering a Sortie from Melilla made to provision the Outlying Forts
1063212 The War in Morocco, the Forts and Guerilla Troops covering a Sortie from Melilla made to provision the Outlying Forts (engraving) by English School

Background imageMelilla Collection: ABD-EL-KRIM INTERNED

ABD-EL-KRIM INTERNED
Abd-el-Krim, the rebel Riff leader is interned by the French on Reunion Island, signifying the end of the national struggle for independence Date: 1926

Background imageMelilla Collection: General View Of Melilla, Spanish Possession In North Africa, From The Fort Of Camels, C. 1914

General View Of Melilla, Spanish Possession In North Africa, From The Fort Of Camels, C. 1914
General View Of Melilla, Spanish Possession In North Africa, From The Fort Of Camels, C.1914

Background imageMelilla Collection: Troops Land in Morocco

Troops Land in Morocco
French naval troops cover the disembarking Spanish forces from Riff rebel fire, in the bay of Alhucemas Date: 1925

Background imageMelilla Collection: Major Richardson & ambulance dogs during Melillan campaign

Major Richardson & ambulance dogs during Melillan campaign
Major (later Lieut.Col) Edwin Hautenville Richardson with one of his trained ambulance dogs, a bloodhound, in the trenches at Melilla

Background imageMelilla Collection: Melilla, Morocco

Melilla, Morocco
The entrance to Hospital Reinando S.M. Alfonso XIII at Melilla, Morocco. The second Rif War was a conflict in 1909 in Morocco around Melilla

Background imageMelilla Collection: Medina Sidonia (old town) District, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Medina Sidonia (old town) District, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Lighthouse and artillery, Medina Sidonia (old town) District, Melilla, Spain

Lighthouse and artillery, Medina Sidonia (old town) District, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Lighthouse in Medina Sidonia (old town) District, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa

Lighthouse in Medina Sidonia (old town) District, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Liberation Monument on Juan Carlos Avenue, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Liberation Monument on Juan Carlos Avenue, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Harbor area in Port of Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Harbor area in Port of Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Fortifications, Melilla La Vieja, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Fortifications, Melilla La Vieja, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Modernist Sagrado Corazon church, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Modernist Sagrado Corazon church, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Plaza de las Culturas (Cultures Square), seen from El Primer Recinto (the first fortification)

Plaza de las Culturas (Cultures Square), seen from El Primer Recinto (the first fortification), Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Modernist (Art Deco) building and Sagrado Corazon church, Melilla, Spain

Modernist (Art Deco) building and Sagrado Corazon church, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Windowed balconies, modernist (Art Deco) building on Plaza de Espana, Melilla

Windowed balconies, modernist (Art Deco) building on Plaza de Espana, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Shield of the city of Melilla on the bullring, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa

Shield of the city of Melilla on the bullring, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Aljibes (reservoirs), Melilla la Vieja, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Aljibes (reservoirs), Melilla la Vieja, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Monument to Spain from Franco dictatorship, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Monument to Spain from Franco dictatorship, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: Modernist (Art Deco) building, Juan Carlos I Avenue, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa

Modernist (Art Deco) building, Juan Carlos I Avenue, Melilla, Spain, Spanish North Africa, Africa

Background imageMelilla Collection: French Intervention

French Intervention
A combined force of French and Spanish troops are installed in the Riff region of Morocco in response to the surprise rebel attack in April



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Melilla, a city with a rich and tumultuous history. From the war in Morocco to the fighting between the Riffs and Spanish troops outside its walls, this place has witnessed it all. The engraving of Riff tribesmen harassing Spanish troops at Melilla showcases the intense battles that took place on these lands. But amidst the chaos of war, life went on. A glimpse into everyday life is captured in the image of a young girl in Melilla, reminding us that even in times of conflict, there is still innocence and hope. The Second Melillan Campaign marked another chapter in this city's story. The color litho depicts the intensity and determination of those involved as they fought for control over this strategic location. As seen in an engraving titled "The War in Morocco, " forts and guerilla troops played a crucial role during sorties from Melilla to provision outlying forts. These brave soldiers faced countless challenges but remained steadfast in their mission. One significant event was Abd-el-Krim being interned, symbolizing a turning point in the conflict. This momentous occasion brought about changes that would shape future relations between Spain and Morocco, and is important to acknowledge how racial stereotypes were used as satire during this time period. An illustration depicting a horseman from The Rif highlights both cultural differences and societal biases prevalent at that time. Troops landing on Moroccan soil further emphasizes Spain's commitment to maintaining control over its North African possession. This act demonstrated their determination to protect what they considered rightfully theirs. In times of war, heroes emerge. Major Richardson alongside his ambulance dogs served valiantly during the Melillan campaign, saving lives amidst chaos and destruction. Their bravery should never be forgotten. Lastly, an antique map reminds us of Spain's geographical connection to Portugal while also highlighting Melilla's strategic importance as a gateway between Europe and Africa. General view captures Melilla's beauty from atop Fort Camels, showcasing its position as a Spanish possession in North Africa.