“What does Roches Noires mean?” I ask, setting the stage for our exploration. The name itself translates to “Black Rocks.”
We are standing in Arrondissement des Roches Noires. It is a borough in eastern Casablanca. This district holds stories of transformation and cultural blending.
In the early 20th century, this area was barren. It was a landscape of wasteland and pebbles. No land was suitable for agriculture.
Then came Eugène Lendrat. He was an entrepreneur with a vision. Lendrat spearheaded the development of Roches Noires in the 1920s. He created the first plan for the Roches Noires beach. It initially included a lighthouse a casino and a swimming pool. Lendrat envisioned housing in the west. He also wanted industrial and commercial activities in the east.
Lendrat shaped the neighborhood’s identity. Italian and Spanish populations settled here. Casablanca hosted most of the Italians in Morocco. Their numbers were around 25000 until the early 1970s.
Eugène Lendrat was a charismatic figure. He was one of the first to settle here with his family. He initiated the construction of public amenities. These included schools markets and cinemas.
Notably, he erected a Neo-Gothic church in 1929. It was named Église Sainte-Marguerite des Roches Noires. Later, in 1935, an Italian school emerged. It aimed to educate the young Italians of Roches Noires. The request came from the Casablanca consulate.
Small houses sprung up. They housed generally modest families. A working-class complex was built. The architect Edmond Brion designed it. The Moroccan Sugar Refining Company commissioned it. It would later become COSUMAR.
From the 1950s onwards, small modern buildings replaced houses. They experimented with new materials like glass and steel. The Vincent Timsit Workshops exemplify this architectural shift.
Large companies established themselves in Roches Noires. This confirmed the district’s industrial vocation. It expanded southward. It reached Derb Sultan and beyond the railway line. This area is now Hay Mohammadi.
Interestingly, the Église de Sainte Marguerite was converted. After Morocco gained independence, it became Al-Quds Mosque. This conversion symbolizes the area’s evolving identity. It highlights its adaptation to the cultural shifts.
Today, Arrondissement des Roches Noires continues to evolve. It stands as a testament to Casablanca’s dynamic spirit. It shows its ability to blend tradition with modernity. The district has about 104310 inhabitants. It is a vibrant area within Casablanca-Settat region.
As we leave Arrondissement des Roches Noires, remember its layers of history. From barren lands to a thriving district. From European influences to Moroccan independence. Roches Noires is a microcosm of Casablanca’s vibrant story.