 The tower rose only 3 meters above the water and was hidden from view behind the "sqala", thus allowing its canons to catch pursuing enemy ships by surprise.The Republic of Salé remained outside the control of central government until 1666, when the Alaouite sultan Moulay Rashid took over the area and placed the corsairs under his authority.The southern part of the Kasbah today was added during the Alaouite period, especially in the 18th century.