50 Hours Inside the Strange European City… in Africa?

Melilla is arguably one of the strangest and most unique cities in the world.. On a quest to investigate a place that plays such a pivotal role that few people have ever heard about, we travel there to explore, meet it's people and understand its culture. Thank you for joining us on a more experimental episode and story to a place we've wanted to visit for many years.

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Editors: Thomas Dajer, Cam Peddle, Driaan Louw, Aidan Chua
Producer: Melida Berton
Production's Assistant: Beatrice Longo

[YesTheory]

Hi everyone, we’re back from a much needed break and are excited for a new season of travel and episodes. This story is a bit of an experimental one about a place we’ve been so curious to understand for a long time. We hope you enjoy the video and look forward to bringing you more stories to come!

[EricReno]

Hey, I was the German guy you met on the plane back to Malaga! I was sooo looking forward to this video! I took a day trip to Melilla because I'm also fascinated by these places! Of course as an introverted solo traveler, I didn't get as much in contact with the locals as you guys did so it was super interesting to see your experiences and encounters in Melilla. Personally, I found it surprisingly... empty. I felt like walking through a regular unknown Spanish city on Sundays. The scenery and the blend of cultures was stunning but I couldn't quite grasp it. This video felt like an enhancement of my trip - now I feel like I've gotten a little more context to my experience. And it's still crazy to me that the only other non-Spanish tourists I encountered were you guys! Thank you for this video and for brightening up my day that day (I wasn't feeling all too well during the trip)! Love from Germany! 🫶

[isabelle]

Thomas is so humble about his Spanish-speaking skills. He made it sound like he couldn't speak at all... he was having full-blown conversations with the locals!

[Dullbeans]

I love how yes theory has been publishing videos with empathetic story telling, not choosing the extreme ends to create virality or clickbait but genuine, authentic and with empathy.

[chemapg]

My mum was born and raised in Melilla, and I spent many summer holidays there. This episode really warmed my heart. It’s a pity you couldn’t feature the architecture in the city. Especially Modernism that was brought in by one of Gaudi’s disciples. ❤

[mediaportal]

The last driver was an actual taxi, btw. In Morocco, there are two types of taxis: the Grand Taxi (like the one you were in) and the Petit Taxi.

Grand Taxis are used for travel between cities, but they are not allowed to operate within city limits. For example, since you were traveling from Nador to Bni Nsar (the village/city near the borders), the Grand Taxi had to stop at a designated station, usually located on the outskirts of the city. From there, you would need to take a Petit Taxi, which is allowed to operate within the city, to reach the border with Melilla.

So, he technically bent the rules by taking you all the way to the border, but maybe he did it because he was enjoying your company! 😄
(The price is usually fixed for these types of trips, whether he stops at the station or takes you directly to the border.)

[yasminebmzgh]

I am from Melilla/Nador!! this video was so special to me, I moved abroad few years ago and it's always super interesting explaining to people where I come from. So glad that you shared the story of my hometown, and hope it'll give a good exemple of a town that is very multicultural and able to live in peace

[rochelgoldberg]

what the taxi driver said at the end was so beautiful. we need more of that in this world!

[themnocrat]

I love you guys. Whenever I'm feeling like the world is f***ed, I watch your videos to remind myself that the vast majority of humanity are good people. Thank you for the work you do.

[mrjonnymac]

Editor shout out: to whomever chose the music track at 20:00 was a genius move. Classical Guitar lead with a weary, sadder feel made for a great musical capture of the story to that point. An excellent choice for the transition. Awesome storytelling with a filmography garnish. Great work!

[Gibtrickz]

I'm from Gibraltar. It is a small overseas territory at the edge of Southern Spain owned by the British. I can see Ceuta and Morocco from here. So, much like crossing the border from Ceuta to Morocco (or Melilla to Morocco) we have a border, and our cultures mix. British culture mixed with Spanish and we speak both languages. You guys should definitely visit here it's a one of a kind experience! 😊❤

[bwgower]

this was really interesting. i had no idea about this place. you guys are doing a great job making fresh content

[antoniolabrasca]

Every place is nice if you have money. No place is nice if you don't.

[Bwanga]

You Guys Do you know about MAYOTTE? Mayotte is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It’s a department and region of France, though traditional Mayotte culture is most closely related to that of the neighboring Comoros islands. The Mayotte archipelago is surrounded by a coral barrier reef, which shelters a lagoon and marine reserve that are popular diving destinations.

its in Africa but you cant go there without a Schengen Visa

[farhadalsindi]

what a nice feeling to see and watch those videos when you are not able to travel and see the world but there is people like yes theory that can bring the world to your smartphone at your home, thank you so much guys

[tarikmehmedika]

I am so amazed by these guys how very respectful they are and also i must say, sane. There is so much what people who rule or try to rule the world need to learn from them. I mean why can't we all coexist together, being happy for each other, wanting to help, respecting, celebrating together.

[tonigarciaromero]

I was initially skeptical about watching the video, being Spanish and familiar with the traditional rhetoric here in YouTube about returning Melilla to Morocco and stirring conflict without even consulting the people. However, I’m glad I stayed and watched it. Your video was respectful and focused on what truly matters: coexistence, mutual respect, and understanding. I wish other places, where people are killing over their differences, could come to Melilla and learn what they’ve forgotten, our shared humanity.

[adrsimion]

There is no channel that is as emotional for me than yours. I share all of your guys mindset with everything, but the way you make me forget the mundane and remember the core values in life is… yeah. Thank you ❤

[braedynhoward]

I'm currently studying in Morocco and staying in a homestay... it is very interesting to hear the Moroccan's perspective on the surrounding countries, including Spain, and their border disputes with Spain and Europe. I'm glad you all have covered this, I was actually just looking to do some research on it to get the full range of perspectives

[mmhaidra]

What a great message of peace! Both Moroccans and Spanish are wonderful people with rich and vibrant cultures. It's heartening to see neighboring countries like Morocco and Spain fostering positive relations.

While Melilla was under Spanish control for over 500 years, it was not a desolate place. In fact, the city was part of several Moroccan empires throughout its history, including:

- The Almohad Caliphate (1147-1269 AD)
- The Marinid Dynasty (1244-1465 AD)
- The Saadi Dynasty (1549-1659 AD)

Despite the shifts in political control, Melilla maintained its diverse cultural heritage and connections to both Spain and Morocco. It's wonderful to see these two great nations celebrating their shared history and strengthening their bonds today. ♥️