Star Wars: 10 Things Everyone Forgets About Tatooine
4. Scum And Villainy
Referred to by Obi-Wan Kenobi as a “wretched hive of scum and villainy”, Mos Eisley is the largest spaceport on Tatooine. It attracts all manners of criminals, fugitives, and smugglers to its many cantinas and taverns. The cantina where Kenobi and Luke Skywalker found Han Solo and Chewbacca was Chalmun’s Cantina, owned by a Wookie named Chalmun and run by a bartender named Wuher. Wuher hates everyone but is especially cruel to droids because they can’t fight back. Chalmun hates droids because they don’t drink and take up valuable space.
Mos Eisley may be the largest city on Tatooine but it is not the capital. That distinction falls to Bestine. Following the Battle of Yavin - which saw an increased Imperial presence and their credits - Bestine flourished and is considered the safest city on the planet. The city attracted honest traders and merchants interested in legitimate businesses, unlike other locations on the planet.
Mos Espa is one such place. There is nothing honest and legitimate about this place. In addition to being the planet’s other major spaceport, it is the home of the Boonta Eve Classic podrace at the city’s Grand Arena. The practice of slavery is an epidemic throughout the city despite it being outlawed in the Republic. Of course, Mos Espa was also the birthplace of Anakin Skywalker.