Timeline of Western Sahara

Chronology

10 events spanning the history of Western Sahara. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1000 BCE

   Beginning of Sanhaja Berber migrations into Western Sahara

   Beginning of Berber migrations into Western Sahara

2. 700

   Zenata berbers assume control of the north-western fringes of the Sahara

   Zenata berbers assume control of the north-western fringes of the Sahara

3. 1500

   Portugal and other countries were interested in the region: gold trade, ostrich feathers and gum ara

   Portugal and other countries were interested in the region: gold trade, ostrich feathers and gum arabic.

4. 1638

   The Dutch seized the Island of Arguin , which the English temporarily controlled in 1665.

   The Dutch seized the Island of Arguin , which the English temporarily controlled in 1665.

5. 1727

   By the Treaty of Hague, The Dutch ceded Arguin to France

   By the Treaty of Hague, The Dutch ceded Arguin to France

6. 1727

   Marrakesh Treaty signed between Spain and Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah of Morocco.

   Marrakesh Treaty signed between Spain and Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah of Morocco.

7. 1799

   .Meknes Treaty: A treaty signed between Spain and Sultan Sidi Moulay Souleiman of Morocco.

   Meknes Treaty signed between Spain and Sultan Sidi Moulay Souleiman of Morocco.

8. 1884

   Spanish colonization starts, with establishment of their headquarters in Laayoune.

   Spanish colonization starts, with establishment of their headquarters in Laayoune.

9. 1975

   The International Court of Justice rejected territorial claims by Morocco and Mauritania

   The International Court of Justice rejected territorial claims by Morocco and Mauritania.

10. 1975

    Moroccan King Hassan II ordered a "Green March"

    Moroccan King Hassan II ordered a "Green March"