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 The commercial and industrial capital of Morocco, Casablanca, is the most highly populated city in the Kingdom. Architects began designing this model city in 1912 and today it has become the largest major city in North Africa. Usually known as simply “Casa” (in Arabic Dar el Beida, White House) it stretches over a wide area ;its large port, situated between the promontories of Oukacha & El Shank providing the best port installations in the whole of the African continent.
The growth of the city is comparatively recent, starting at the beginning of the 20th century. After World War II its industrial development increased very rapidly; it is Morocco’s foremost part and one of the busiest in all Africa; an important port of call between Europe, Africa and South America, especially Brazil and Argentina. The fantastic 3180m long Moulay Yousseff jetty was constructed to create Morocco’s premier port and the fourth in the whole of Africa.
The greater part of Casablanca’s urban outline has been carried out according to the plans drawn up by the French architects Prost and Ecochart. The city nowadays is in constant expansion, following the lines of systematic Morocanization, which came about in 1956, the year in which the country attained its independence.
The appearance of the city is distinguished architecturally by the presence of large modern buildings contrasting markedly with other typically Arab edifices. The centre of Casablanca is dominated by the attractive green of the magnificent Arab League Park, and its broad avenues and fine views.
Casablanca is where international business dealing take’s place where luxury goods and services flourish, high tech industries are concentrated with top quality hotels hosting world class conventions and congresses - all making Casablanca the shining light of modern Morocco. |
