Casablanca Economic and commercial capital, Casablanca is also a symbol of modern Morocco. True international metropolis, the city of 3.5 million people or 10% of the Moroccan population.
In the early twentieth century, the city has grown considerably through its international port, the largest in Morocco and 4th in Africa. Center business in Morocco, the city meets 60% of businesses in the country and its power consumption is approaching 30% of the total Moroccan consumption.
Yet, Casablanca has only a minor role in the history of Morocco. Indeed, the city was relatively insignificant before the introduction of the French protectorate. In 1907, the city had only 25,000 inhabitants, a 140 times in less than a century people! Note: some monuments worth visiting, especially the huge Hassan II mosque.
City History
Originally from Casablanca, in the seventh century, was probably a Phoenician foundation. However, historians agree that the city was founded in the twelfth century. Then named Anfa, the city already traded products in the region since its port.
Belonging successively to the Berbers, the Almoravids and Almohads, it was not until the fourteenth century that the small port is like a city. At this time, there Marinids build a mosque and a madrassah.
Become a haven for pirates, the city was taken by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century. Uninhabited for several centuries, it was destroyed by the earthquake of Lisbon in 1755.
In 1770, Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah rebuilt the city to avoid a Portuguese back and gives it the name of "Dar el Beida," the White City. He set up his troops and intends to develop a port for international trade. Spanish traders give the city the name of Casablanca.
In the early twentieth century, Casablanca became the largest export port in the country and attracts people. With 25,000 inhabitants in 1907, it is far from 700 inhabitants in 1836.
After the signing of the French protectorate in 1912, Marshal Lyautey decided to Casablanca, the economic capital of the country. For this, he immediately began expanding the port. Therefore, the city experienced a rapid economic growth, which has still not stopped.
Anticipating future problems due to the increasing population, Lyautey knows that the city needs to expand and modernize. He chose the architect Henri Prost to design the urban plan for the city. Casablanca is a model city where urbanization blends beautifully modern and traditional architecture while respecting the Moroccan culture.
Today Casablanca, the largest city in the Maghreb, is one of the largest cities in the African continent.
Place to visit:
The old medina
It is located within walking distance of the place of the United Nations. Sheltered in the shade of sober walls, streaked with winding streets mingling onlookers and artisans, this ancient medina offers a surprising contrast with the architecture of the new city nearby. During the walk, we discover shrines, mosques not to mention the Spanish church Buenaventura, the sqala, and the charming square of Sidi Bou Smara with his marabout tombs and aligned under a banyan tree. The area is visited by day, at night can be an opportunity to bad meetings!
the port
Designed in 1907 and imposed by the Resident General Lyautey against the advice of all the "office", wearing Casa has continued to grow. Become the economic heart of the city, it now covers more than 180 ha. Protected from the swell by the 'jetty Moulay Youssef "long 3180 m, the port has several pools, shipyards, a ferry terminal, a marina, and embarkation stations and car ferries and cruise ships tourism. Second port of the Maghreb, it accounts for nearly 70% of domestic shipping.
Watch out! Only the pool of Tourism is accessible. To visit other sites, permission of the Maritime District is required.
Former Mahakma Pasha
Not far from the Royal Palace is the former Muslim court and reception room of the Pasha of Casablanca. Completed in 1952, the building has more than sixty ornate carved wooden ceilings, stucco, tile and earthenware wrought iron railings rooms. Today it is home to one of the seven prefectures of the "Great Casa".
Art Deco buildings
Not far from the Royal Palace is the former Muslim court and reception room of the Pasha of Casablanca. Completed in 1952, the building has more than sixty ornate carved wooden ceilings, stucco, tile and earthenware wrought iron railings rooms. Today it is home to one of the seven prefectures of the "Great Casa".
The new town or neighborhood Habbous
New Medina, commonly called Habbous district, was born undertaken by the General Lyautey in the 20s all urban plan initially intended to house the rural population came to get a job in Casablanca, the new town was quickly taken over by wealthy families in the city attracted by the charms of a successful combination of tradition and modern urban planning. It is true that with its quaint narrow streets, small squares, its stone arches and traditional shops, the new medina is a very authentic place. It is in this area that we find the famous pastry Bennis, known for its delicious treats!
Useful information
Moroccan Tourist Office: 55 rue Omar Slaoui.
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