LaâyouneSakia

LaâyouneSakia is a term that refers to the city of Laâyoune, the largest city in Western Sahara, and the Sakia El Hamra river that runs through the region. Laâyoune is the administrative capital and economic center of the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara. The Sakia El Hamra is a wadi, a dry riverbed, that is usually dry but can carry water after heavy rainfall. The name "Sakia El Hamra" translates to "Red Water Wheel," possibly referring to the color of the water or sediment in the river.

The city of Laâyoune was founded by the Spanish in 1938 and served as the capital of Spanish Sahara. Following the Spanish withdrawal in 1975, control of the territory became a subject of dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, who seek independence for Western Sahara. Laâyoune is now a bustling urban center with a population estimated to be over 200,000 people. It features a port, an airport, and various administrative and commercial facilities. The surrounding area is characterized by arid desert landscapes, with the Sakia El Hamra river playing a significant role in the historical and geographical context of the region. The river's intermittent flow and its potential for agriculture in certain areas have made it a vital resource throughout history.