Arrondissement de Hay Mohammadi مقاطعة الحي المحمدي

From “Carrières Centrales” to Hay Mohammadi, this neighborhood echoes with stories. Hay Mohammadi isn’t just a name on a map. It’s a place etched in the heart of Casablanca. It carries a history as complex as the city itself. Hay Mohammadi was once North Africa’s largest slum. Now, it stands as a testament to urban transformation. It embodies the struggles and resilience of its people. In the 1950s, Hay Mohammadi became a focal point in the anti-colonial movement. Protests erupted in 1952 following the assassination of Tunisian labor leader Farhat Hached. These protests were met with brutal repression by French forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths. This tragic event is seared into Hay Mohammadi’s memory. The neighborhood continued to be a site of resistance during the reign of Hassan II. Protests against his rule were met with violent crackdowns. This period also saw the establishment of a secret detention center, marking a dark chapter in the neighborhood’s history. The 1980s brought economic hardship to Hay Mohammadi. Food subsidy cuts and trade reforms led to widespread job losses, deepening the existing poverty. The scars of this economic decline are still visible today. Hay Mohammadi was thrust into the international spotlight again in the 2000s. The 2003 and 2007 Casablanca suicide bombings revealed the dire circumstances in the slums. Many of the attackers originated from these marginalized communities. This led to the controversial “Cities without Slums” project in the 2010s. Many residents were relocated to Lahraouiyine, far from their work and social networks. This displacement further disrupted the lives of the already vulnerable population. Despite its challenges, Hay Mohammadi remains a place of pride and affection for its residents. The name itself, bestowed by King Mohammed V, reflects this enduring spirit. The neighborhood’s complex history is interwoven with stories of struggle, resilience, and a deep sense of community. Today, Hay Mohammadi is connected to the rest of Casablanca by the T1 and T2 tram lines. This improved access offers a glimpse into a neighborhood that continues to evolve, carrying its past into its future. The predominantly young population faces ongoing challenges. Unemployment and social stigmatization are particularly acute. Yet, initiatives like the Jam’iyya association offer a glimmer of hope. They provide spaces for artistic expression, skill development, and social support, empowering the youth to navigate their difficult realities. Hay Mohammadi’s journey from a slum to a vibrant, albeit challenging, neighborhood is a powerful narrative of urban transformation. It’s a story that continues to unfold, reminding us of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and adapt in the face of adversity.