COVER N.159 -  MOROCCO

Postmark: fdc: Tétouan 11.07.2022 Villes Antiques de Méditerranée - Barid Al-Maghrib / Meknes C.D. 16.08.2022
Posted on 16th August; received on the 29th August 2022
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My country list has been increasing steadily, lately. I couldn't be happier!

Thank you so much Pierre for letting me tick another square in my  Philatelic Atlas, with this beautiful cover from across the straight of Gibraltar!

Tétouan, an ancient city in the north of Morocco whose ancient quarters, the medina, is included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for its unparalleled conservation status which highlights the Andalusian influence brought about by the refugees fleeing the "Reconquista"  later increased in number by the Muslims expelled from Spain by Felipe III of Spain (Filipe II of Portugal) who throughout the years rebuilt it after we, the portuguese 😞 raised the ancient city to the ground in 1437.

Today Tétouan is a city of cultural relevance being part of the  UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), and an important university centre, these two realities being obviously interrelated, given that knowledge fosters creativity and vice-versa.

The Postal Union of the Mediterranean congregates  postal operators of the European and Mediterranean region. Established in Rome in 2011 by 14 Postal Operators it has been steadily growing to include 23 members, at present. 

Each year, a common theme is selected for a  joint emission by all members of the organisation, much like the famed EUROPA emissions, each postal administration  being absolutely free to design their own stamps, provided they follow the adopted theme. 

For some reason that I could not identify, the theme for 2022 is two fold: Maritime Archaeology or Antique Cities of Mediterranean. This, as far as I know, happens for the first time, and is probably a one off stunt for next year's theme is already chosen and has no double option. I'd also bet some money on the fact that the disruptures brought about by the Publich health situation we all are familiar with, had something to do with it.

The Postal Operator of the  Kingdom of Morroco Barid Al-Maghrib - Poste Maroc elected Tétouan as the city to promote under this year's  common Euromed Theme and so the beautiful 9 dinar stamp featuring a view of the Al-Jalaa public Square with the Zaouiya Qadiriya, a religious building,  was issued on 11JUL2022.

The FDC is embelished with what I suspect is a view of the medina, with the characteristic white walls (to ward off the heat) and blue doors and window shutters (to ward off the mosquitoes).