The artist behind the Medina Street Art collage above is Simo, a Moroccan artist who currently lives in Cologne,…
Casablanca
Casablanca
Casablanca is the commercial and financial capital of Morocco. Some call it the “engine” of the country. Tradition and modernity exist simultaneously as evidenced by the skyscrapers overlooking the small medina shops. With a population of 4 million, it is one of the four largest cities on the African continent.
Although it sounds exotic, Casablanca isn’t really all that exotic. It’s not a city with a tourism mindset. It’s quite congested and crowded. We usually recommend that our guests’ time can be better spent elsewhere in this beautiful country. But now and then people do want to see Casablanca, and we are happy to oblige.
Recommended Length of Stay: ½ day at most
The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah is one of the best books written about cross-cultural interactions in Morocco. Find out more HERE.
Moroccan traffic isn't like normal traffic. It's armed combat, a war of wills, in which only the very bravest have a chance to survive.Tahir Shah, The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca
Places to visit while here
Casablanca Medina
Prior to the 20th century, Casablanca consisted only of the old medina with a population of a few thousand….
Casablanca Medina
Prior to the 20th century, Casablanca consisted only of the old medina with a population of a few thousand. Bab Marrakech and Bab el-Jedid, two of the original four gates of the city, still exist in the ancient walls. A thriving daily market can be found within the medina. Here you can purchase jewelry, clothing, handbags, spices, and a variety of other items.
Place Mohamed V
Place Mohammed V is the administrative heart of Casablanca. It reflects the architecture of the French Protectorate.
Hassan II
Opened in 1993, Hasaan II Mosque is one of the largest religious buildings in the world. The…
Hassan II
Opened in 1993, Hasaan II Mosque is one of the largest religious buildings in the world. The prayer hall accommodates 105,000 people. At 657 feet (200 meters), the minaret is the second highest minaret in the world. Two laser beams, reaching a distance of 18.5 miles (30 km), shine from the minaret in the direction of Mecca, making it a lighthouse of Islam.
Moroccans will proudly inform you that the entire country pitched in to make the Hasaan II Mosque financially possible. It was designed by Michel Pinseau and 35,000 Moroccan craftsmen worked on it. The mosque stands as a monument to Moroccan architecture. While non-Muslims are only permitted to enter on specific days at specific times, the outside of the mosque is absolutely stunning. It is well worth visiting, even if you don't have a chance to see the inside.
More of Morocco
