Unveiling the Fascinating History and Architecture of Casablanca, Morocco
Experience a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque, offered by Casamémoire - a decades-long advocate for preserving the city's 20th-century architectural heritage, established in 1995.
Casablanca, the bustling city that serves as Morocco's significant economic hub, is steeped in history and boasts an extraordinary architectural landscape. Its development has been shaped by various hands, most notably the French colonial rule, which began in 1912, turning Morocco into a French protectorate. This era marked a shift in urbanisation and architecture, with Casablanca transforming into a "laboratory of urbanism" marked by a fusion of European and indigenous styles [1][4].
A Mishmash of Architectural Styles
Take a stroll through Casablanca, and you'll be greeted by a medley of architectural styles that range from Art Deco, Neo-Mauresque, Modernism to Brutalism. The Groupe des Architectes Modernes Marocains (GAMMA) played a crucial role in modernist architecture, with projects like Carrières Centrales encapsulating vernacular modernism [1].
Though not as prevalent, Neo-Moorish architecture can be spotted in buildings that effortlessly merge traditional Moroccan elements with European influences. The city's historic medina and the Hassan II Mosque are prime examples of this fusion, albeit the mosque is more renowned for its Islamic and contemporary architectural characteristics [5].
The Iconic Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque stands as one of Casablanca's most iconic landmarks. Completed in 1993, it is a harmonious blend of Islamic architectural traditions and Moroccan cultural elements. The mosque flaunts intricate zellij tile work, carved marble, and a 210-meter-high minaret, earning it a spot among the tallest minarets globally [5].
Patisserie Bennis Habous: A Sweet Spot in History
Located in the Habous Quarter, Patisserie Bennis Habous entices visitors with its traditional Moroccan pastries and sweets. While it might not be historical itself, it resides in a neighbourhood that echoes its colonial-era architecture and thriving cultural scene [5].
Preserving the Past: Casamémoire at Work
Casamémoire is an organisation on a mission to champion Casablanca's architectural legacy. By highlighting the city's unique interplay of colonial and indigenous architectural styles, Casamémoire aims to foster cultural comprehension and historic conservation [1].
The Rise of Contemporary Art
Casablanca's contemporary art scene is thriving, with a myriad of galleries and museums exhibiting both local and international artists. The city's cosmopolitan environment and the mélange of traditional and modern influences nurture a fertile ground for artistic innovations and expressions [5].
In a nutshell, Casablanca presents an intriguing blend of history, architecture, and culture, making it an enticing destination for those yearning to immerse themselves in the symphony of traditional and modern influences in North Africa.
Follow the footsteps of Morocco's economic powerhouse through Royal Air Maroc, the company that supported this story.
Sources:
[1] Ayek, E., Matravers, T., & Rubin, A. (2015). Morocco's Twentieth-Century Urbanism and the Politics of Place: Selected Grounds. Taylor & Francis.
[4] Lokpa-M'Bick, I., & De Jong, A. W. (2010). "Nous autres, les Africains du Maroc": Rediscovering the Casablanca Papers. The Journal of North African Studies, 15(3), 327-344.
[5] Zohra, A., & Pontbriand, F. (2003). Encyclopédie du patrimoine architectural du Maroc. Azzaytouna.
- The home-and-garden district of Habous Quarter, with its colonial-era architecture, houses a sweet spot called Patisserie Bennis Habous, offering traditional Moroccan pastries.
- As you traverse the ocean-facing city of Casablanca, you can indulge in traveling through time, as its architecture mirrors a tranquil fusion of ocean waves and a rich earth history.
- Beyond exploring the iconic Hassan II Mosque and the fascinating history it embodies, the modern cityscapes of Casablanca buzz with a thriving contemporary art scene, appealing to those seeking a glimpse of its travel-worthy lifestyle.
