Tuesday, June 22, 2010

CASABLANCA (Morocco)

My roundtrip through Morocco

During my round trip through Morocco we also stopped in Casablanca to visit the most the Mohamed V place, and the beautiful Mosque Hassan II.

Casablanca has a population of over 3,299,428 and is Morocco's largest city as well as its chief port. Casablanca is considered the economic and business center of Morocco. The Capital is Rabat.

Casablanca hosts headquarters and main industrial facilities for the leading Moroccan and international companies based in Morocco. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world. Unfortunately we had no time to visit the port but saw it from far

In June 1907, the Frenchs took control of Casablanca. This effectively began the process of colonization, although French control of Casablanca was not formalised until 1910. It lasted until 1956 when Morocco gained its independence. You can read more about Casablanca's history here.

Everywhere you see the French influence in the architecture. In the City all people speak French. English is another story.

The traffic is quiet impressive, cars are arriving from all sides. A lot of drivers are color blind when traffic lights are concerned.

Along the city wall or Medina.

Old and new together

Villas, houses, appartment buildings, it depends if you are rich or poor as everywhere.

vibrant life on the streets, to the left a shoe cleaner and to the right a couple discussing over a garbage container.

the sea with in the background the Mosque of Casablanca. To the right you go to the beach

The Christian Cathedral, a mosque and a government building

and very special, the stock market building

The old medina (city wall)

and the huge place Mohamed V

Our bus stands there

People walking, enjoying the sunshine and feeding the pigeons

and then comes the beautiful Mosque Hassan II

Gorgeous mosaic work

The entrance, it's only open 3 times a day for tourists (if I remember well)

I had enough to admire outside

chatting in the shade

the place is huge

also local tourists

A beautiful view on the sea

a last look on the Mosque

in the background you can see the cranes of the port

and we are leaving Casablanca direction Rabat

related post on Writer's Cramps blog

8 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a fabulous, fascinating tour of Casablanca! Your photos are terrific, Gattina! What a great trip! Have to admit, I envy you this one! Enjoy your week!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

wow, it's jaw-dropping! the mosaic is beautiful! when i hear Casablanca, Bogart and Ingrid Bergman pop into my mind. what interesting and wonderful photos you took.

Jim said...

Very interesting collection of shots.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Jo said...

Oh wow, Gattina;) that is a beautiful city, with the cathedral, medina AND the beautiful mosque. We only have one or two mosques open to tourists here in Khartoum-haven't found them yet - will visit when I do. thanks for sharing wonderful Africa with us all!

MaR said...

Fascinating post, great pictures and a lovely tour.

The World Cup in South Africa demands too much time in front of the tv watching the games...blogging will be soon resumed :)

Gledwood said...

What beautiful pictures. I love all those mosaics. V funky. Also that weird ball of string building at the top; what on earth is that?!

Maribeth said...

What a great vacation you had. Someday I hope to go there as well!

Anonymous said...

What a great collection of photos. I love the contrast between the beautiful serene mosque and the financial center in mirrors. I have had romantic dreams of Casablanca...but you shows that it is much more then the white sandy beach and piano bar...a complex mix of styles and identities. Very cool!

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I love writing, traveling and photography. . I am German, married to an Italian and we live in Waterloo (15 km from Brussels) / Belgium since many years. Waterloo is a famous place to many tourists, because Napoleon lost his battle here against Wellington and other European countries.

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