| Official Name: | Azemmour |
| Mapsize: | 200px |
| Pushpin Map: | Morocco |
| Pushpin Mapsize: | 300 |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  Morocco |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Casablanca-Settat |
| Subdivision Type2: | Province |
| Subdivision Name2: | El Jadida |
| Population As Of: | 2014 |
| Settlement Type: | Town |
| Population Total: | 40,920 |
| Coordinates: | 33.2878°N -8.3422°W |
Azemmour or Azammur (Arabic: أزمور|azammūr) is a Moroccan city, lying at the Atlantic ocean coast, on the left bank of the Oum Er-Rbia River, 75 km southwest of Casablanca.[1]
The word Azemmour comes from the Berber word Azemmur ("wild olive tree").[2] [3]
Azemmour is generally identified as the Punic Azama, latinized as Asama.
Before 1486, it was a dependency of the King of Fez. In 1486 its inhabitants became vassals and tributaries of João II of Portugal.[4]
In 1513 Azemmour's governor Moulay Zayam refused to pay the tribute and mustered a powerful, well-equipped army. Manuel responded to this challenge by sending a massive fleet of 500 ships and 15 thousand soldiers (Bergreen, 19). James, Duke of Braganza led this army and on September 1 he conquered the city with no resistance from its inhabitants. Ferdinand Magellan, the man famed for leading the first-ever circumnavigation of the earth, was among the Portuguese soldiers there; he lost his horse in skirmishes outside the city.[5] Portuguese control of the city lasted only for a short period; it was abandoned by João III of Portugal in 1541 due to his court's economic difficulties.[6]
Azemmour is located on the Oum Er-Rbia River west of Casablanca.[1]
Azemmour's beach is a place for surfing and kitesurfing.[7] Also called Haouzia, the area's flora includes eucalyptus and pine.[8]
A spring festival used to be held annually in Azemmour in March. It was first held in 2007.[9] The patron saint of Azemmour is Abu Shuayb. His mausoleum was built on the order of Mohammed ben Abdallah. Each year, a moussem is celebrated to honour him. The Old City's walls are decorated by several local artists.[10] The city features a medina, which has three parts, a Jewish mellah, a kasbah, and the old medina.[1] A historic lighthouse called Sidi Boubeker is located north of Azemmour.[8]