Why is Casablanca-Settat so vital to Morocco? Casablanca-Settat is the economic heart of Morocco. It blends modernity and tradition. Here in Casablanca-Settat, you will find Morocco’s largest city. It is the country’s commercial hub. But Casablanca-Settat offers more than just Casablanca. It includes important cities like Settat and El Jadida.
Let me tell you a story about Casablanca itself. Imagine stepping back in time. Picture a small Berber village called Anfa. That was Casablanca’s ancestor in the 12th century. Anfa became a haven for pirates. They harassed Christian ships. The Portuguese destroyed it in 1468.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 1515 the Portuguese returned. They built a new town. They called it Casa Branca meaning White House. A devastating earthquake struck in 1755. Casa Branca was abandoned.
Sultan Sidi Muhammad ibn Abd Allah rebuilt the town. This happened in the late 18th century. Spanish merchants settled here. They named it Casablanca. Other European traders followed. The French eventually outnumbered them. Maison Blanche became as common as Casablanca. Both names meant White House.
The French occupied Casablanca in 1907. During the French protectorate Casablanca became Morocco’s chief port. This lasted from 1912 to 1956. The city grew rapidly.
Casablanca played a role in World War II. A British-U.S. summit conference was held here in 1943. It was the Casablanca Conference. In 1961 another conference took place. King Muhammad V of Morocco presided. The Casablanca Group of African states was founded.
Today the man-made port protects Casablanca from the sea. It handles most of Morocco’s foreign trade. European ships often call here. Boulevard Hansali leads to the port. It is lined with shops for tourists.
Inland from the docks lies the old city. This is the medina. Original rampart walls still enclose parts of it. It is a maze of narrow streets. Whitewashed brick and stone houses line the roads. The French built a town outside the medina walls. Avenues radiate from Muhammad V Square. Ring roads intersect them. They reach the coast on either side of the harbor.
Muhammad V Square and United Nations Square are business hubs. They are also administrative centers. Banks, hotels, and modern shops stand here. South of here, overlooking the gardens is the Cathedral of the Sacré Coeur. West of the park stretch residential districts. Anfa is one of them. Shantytowns exist on the outskirts. Many lack basic amenities. The Moroccan government works to improve them.
Buses are the main form of public transport. Petit and grande taxis serve travelers. Roads connect Casablanca with other cities. A railway line runs to Tangier. It also runs to Algeria and Tunisia when it is politically stable. Casablanca-Anfa Airport and Casablanca-Nouaceur Airport provide international service.
Casablanca is Morocco’s economic capital. It accounts for most of the country’s bank transactions. It also accounts for its industrial production. Industries include textiles and electronics. Leather works and food canning are also important. The city produces beer, spirits, and soft drinks. Fishing is a key activity.
Casablanca offers many schools with Arabic and French instruction. There are cultural institutes and libraries. The Hasan II Mosque is one of the largest and most ornate in the world.
Casablanca is Morocco’s recreation center. Pleasant beaches and parks line the seafront. The city is twinned with many cities. These include Busan, Brussels, and Madrid. It has cooperation agreements with others. These include Paris and London.
Casablanca-Settat and Casablanca itself have a rich history. They offer a blend of tradition and modernity. They are vital to Morocco’s economy and culture.