Old Medina of Casablanca
Casablanca-Settat
The Old Medina of Casablanca, also known as Ancienne Médina, is the historic center of Casablanca, Morocco. Rebuilt by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah after the 1755 earthquake destroyed the original city of Anfa, it became a vital urban and commercial hub. The Medina is an irregular polygon about 1,000 meters long and 500 meters wide, encompassing roughly 60 hectares. It historically included subdivisions such as the Mellah, the Jewish quarter, and the Tnaker, a semi-rural neighborhood for migrant workers. The Medina housed important buildings like the Dar al-Makhzen, the governor's residence, mosques including the Dar al-Makhzen Mosque and the Ould el-Hamra Mosque, and European consulates. Its walls featured three main gates: Bab el-Mersa, Bab es-Souk, and Bab Marrakesh. Architecturally, the Medina boasts Moorish styles with mausolea of revered figures and bastions like the Sqala. The area played a critical role during the French protectorate and was a center of anti-colonial resistance. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural and shopping district reflecting Casablanca’s layered history and diverse communities.
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Tip: Visit the Old Medina in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds. Purchasing tickets or guided tours in advance can enhance your experience. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through narrow, sometimes uneven streets. Explore the Mellah and Tnaker neighborhoods to appreciate the multicultural heritage. Look out for local artisans and markets offering traditional crafts. Some discounts may be available for students or groups, so inquire locally. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Zajímavosti
- •The Medina covers about 60 hectares and was shaped as an irregular polygon approximately 1,000 meters long and 500 meters wide.
- •The Mellah, or Jewish quarter, was unique in not being separated by walls or gates from the rest of the Medina, allowing shared spaces between Jewish and Muslim residents.
- •The Sqala bastion and the two oldest mosques, the Mosque of the Makhzen and the Ould el-Hamra Mosque, were built during Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah's renovations.
- •The Church of San Buenaventura was built by Spanish Franciscans in 1890 and is now the Buenaventura Cultural Center.
- •The Tnaker neighborhood was a semi-rural area with tents and huts, inhabited by migrant peasants, reflecting early urban migration patterns.
Historie
The Old Medina of Casablanca was rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed the city of Anfa.
Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah led the reconstruction and established the port, naming the city ad-Dār al-Bayḍāʾ (White House).
In the late 19th century, Sultan Hassan I expanded the Medina with an enclosure for Europeans.
French forces bombarded and occupied Casablanca in 1907, marking the beginning of the protectorate period.
The Muslim judiciary moved from the Medina to the newly built Hubous neighborhood in the mid-20th century.
Throughout the protectorate, the Medina was a hub of popular Muslim neighborhoods and anti-colonial resistance.
Průvodce po místě
Bab el-Mersa Gate
The northeastern gate of the Medina facing the harbor, historically the main entry point for maritime trade.
Bab es-Souk (Bab el-Kebir) Gate
The eastern gate facing the Grand Market (Soq Kbir), serving as a bustling entrance for merchants and shoppers.
Bab Marrakesh Gate
The southern gate where merchants arriving from Marrakesh entered the Medina, crucial for trade routes.
Dar al-Makhzen
The historic seat of the governor representing the Makhzen, housing the tribunal and administrative offices within the Medina.
Sqala Bastion18th century
A fortified bastion built during Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah's renovations, showcasing Moorish military architecture.
Mosque of the Makhzen18th century
One of the two oldest mosques in Casablanca, built during the city's 18th-century reconstruction.
Ould el-Hamra Mosque18th century
Another of the oldest mosques in the Medina, built under Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah’s reign.
Mellah Neighborhood
The Jewish quarter located in the southern part of the Medina, known for its coexistence with Muslim residents.
Tnaker NeighborhoodLate 19th century
A semi-rural area northwest of the Medina inhabited by migrant peasants, characterized by tents and sparse construction.