"Sabah al-kheir" a Casablanca Travel Page by seagoingJLW

Casablanca is a modern city with wide boulevards and high, white, well kept buildings. With a population of 3,210,000 it is the largest city in Morocco. But-- across the street from a magnificent hotel is the entrance to the old city.

In this old section there is extreme poverty as well as shops.

The French colonial authorities concentrated their attention on Casablanca. After all, if Morocco is the gateway to Africa, Casablanca is the gateway to Morocco.

See my travelogue Touring Casablanca with a Guide

History

Casablanca originated as the medieval town of Anfa, which became the capital of a Berber principality after the Arab invasions of the 7th and 8th centuries. The principality was known as Berghouata. Its inhabitant joined a Kharijite rebellion against the Arab governor of Tangier.

In the 11th century the Almohad Sultan Abdul Mou'min won a holy war against the heretical residents of Beghouata.

After coming under the influence of the Merenids in the 13th century the town became independent. It was then destroyed by the Portuguese in 1468 in an effort to eliminate piracy. Piracy returned and the Portuguese destroyed it again in 1515.

The town was rebuilt in 1575 and named Casa Branca by the Portuguese. Surrounding Muslim tribes finally forced the Portuguese out in 1755.

Under the reign of Sidi Mohamed ben Abdullah (1750-1790) it was rebuilt with a mosque, madrasah, hammam, and a fort. It was renamed Dar Al Beida (the White House) which the Spanish finally translated as Casablanca after trade became well established with Madrid and Cádiz.

After a rebellion by the caid of Dar Al Beida zawiyya, Sultan Moulay Sliman closed the port and diverted all trading with Europe to Rabat. In 1830 the sultan reopened the city.

From the mid 19th century Casblanca began to grow. Regular maritime service was established between Casblanca and Marseilles. French influence increased through out the remainder of the century.

The French occupied the city in 1907 after the massacre of some workmen under French supervision and the siege of the French Consulate.

In 1912 General Lyautey was appointed Resident-General and completed construction of the harbor. Casablanca became independent in 1956.

There is no Rick's Café and no Humphrey Bogart anywhere to be seens.