Many of the articles I had read prior to my arrival to Casablanca had advised – Leave as soon as you arrive. Skip the place entirely. Treat it as a transit hub. While I won’t be as judgmental, I can understand the sentiment.
Casa (house) Blanca (white) - Casablanca Morocco
With a population of 5 million, Casablanca or The White City, is not only Morocco’s largest city but one of the largest and most important in all of Africa. It’s Morocco’s economic and business centre and it’s where young Moroccans come to seek their fortune. Creative industry flourishes here and it refers to itself as a modern forward-looking city.
My Expectations of Casablanca and the Reality
I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting prior to my arrival in Casablanca. Bustling crowded souks (markets) maybe, with lots of haggling. Turban topped men and fully covered women. A camel here or there. A glimpse of desert. Of course, if I had done my research I would have realised my expectations were ridiculous. Morocco’s biggest city was not going to have camels walking through its traffic-choked streets. Heck, being one of the more relaxed Muslim nations, the hijab is not even that common here.
The reality is Casablanca is a huge sprawling city full of concrete buildings, pollution-spewing cars and friendly people. While there are souks, I didn’t get to visit them. The closest I came was a treasure filled souvenir shop.
What I Really Liked
Despite their dilapidated condition, their unkempt air, I loved the buildings. Influenced by Berber, Islamic and colonial French architecture (the French occupied and heavily developed Casablanca from 1912 to 1956), the result is a gorgeous glut of art nouveau, art déco and neo-Moorish properties.
Hassan II Mosque Casablanca
One of the more impressive buildings we visited was the Hassan II Mosque. 14th largest mosque in the world. It took just 6 years to build (it was completed in 1993). Capable of holding 80,000 people outside and 25,000 inside – it dwarfs St Peters in Rome.
While it was a beautiful piece of architecture and created some excellent photo opportunities, the place didn’t feel quite right. The impressive ablution block under the building is not used – it’s for show only and the only time the place fills is maybe at the end of Ramadan. I’m thinking while a nice place for worship, it’s an even better opportunity for Casablanca tourism.
Casablanca the Movie
I found out the night before our arrival that the movie Casablanca was made entirely in a Hollywood studio. Not one iota, not one frame was made in this city. It was another of my Casablanca illusions dashed. It didn’t stop me, however, having a photo taken outside of Rick’s Cafe. A cafe built in 2002 by a canny American lady seeing a fantastic marketing opportunity.
What Else I Learnt About Casablanca
You take your life into your own hands when you use a pedestrian crossing. Education, including university, is free here. The median sale price of a home is $173,000 aud. Casablanca accounts for one third of the country’s economy.
Where Next?
Things are speeding up. Soon we arrive in Barcelona. See you then.
