Casablanca, Morocco
As stated in the history of Casablanca, the region primitively witnessed Berber settlers during the 7th century. Anfa, a minor independent country emerged within the area due to the Arab Muslim rule. But later on during the year 1068, this region was completely dominated by the Almoravids. The Portuguese constituted a military fortress in the year 1515 with the remnants of the city. The town that emerged here was named Casablanca, which meant White House in Portuguese language. But most of this town was later on destroyed during 1755 due to a severe earthquake, which compelled Portuguese to abandon the region. The town was renovated and restructured by the grandson of Moulay Ismail and ally of George Washington named Sultan Sidi Mohammed III during the year 1756- 1790, as affirmed in the History of Casablanca. The town was identified as Dar el Beida, the white house in the Arabic dialect and Casa Blanca in the Spanish language.
Casablanca benefits from a mild climate throughout the year.Summer evenings are cool and winter can be surprisingly chilly. The rainy season occurs between November and April, but most days remain dry. The months from October to April tend to have the best weather and are the most popular months with tourists, as the days are pleasantly warm and the nights refreshingly cool.
Situated on the Atlantic, Casablanca has one of the largest artificial ports in the world. It is the major city in Morocco and the country's economic capital. The most important part of Casablanca's economy is phosphate export for which Casablanca is one of the main ports as well as an administrative centre. It is also the centre of the most intensive industrial activity in the country: a sizeable portion of the city's products is exported. Among Casablanca's own industries are fishing, fish canning, sawmilling, furniture making, building materials, glass, textiles, electronics, leather work, processed food, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and cigarettes. Casablanca is also the center for more than half of all bank transactions in Morocco.
Mohammed V International is the main airport serving the city of Casablanca and providing the chief gateway for international visitors arriving from Europe, North America and the Middle East. Casablanca has excellent connections with the rest of Morocco, through its railways and excellent roads. There are two train stations in Casablanca: Casablanca Port, which is rather central, and Casablanca Voyageurs, which can be reached by petit taxi or by bus. Bus services are available in Casablanca, there are many companies operating services and hence little or no standardisation of routes, prices or vehicle quality. Petit Taxis are the best way to travel within the city. They are easy to get on the streets and are meter operated.
Some children attend non-compulsory, two-year preschool programs. Students begin Morocco's nine-year basic education program at age seven. The basic education program consists of five years of primary school followed by four years of primary secondary school. The basic education program is followed by three years of general secondary or technical education leading to the baccalaureate degree. The language of instruction at most elementary and secondary schools is formal Arabic, but at the university level French is the primary language of instruction.
Today Casablanca offers the tourist or business traveler an intriguing mix of modern urban life punctuated by rich cultural traditions. The landmark Hassan II Mosque, inaugurated in 1993, is the world’s second largest mosque. It sits on the edge of the Old Medina on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Islamic architecture features exquisitely crafted wood, marble, granite and plaster accents. A glass floor reveals the ocean beneath.
Not far from the Hassan II Mosque is La Corniche, a winding beachfront area in Ain Diab that is popular with locals and tourists. Restaurants, pools and beaches – both public and private – are the main attractions. It’s a great place for a scenic stroll any time of the day or evening.
The city has plenty of non-religious and equally cultural festivals and events that it hosts year round. The month of January is known for hosting the Independence Celebration, while the February month rejoices the Tafraoute festival with the end to the winter rains along with welcoming white budding flowers on almond trees. The Aid Al Adha or Aïd el-Khebir festival observes a tribute feast for Abraham's Sacrifice. March and April is the season when the local natives resort to the Islamic New Year of Fatih Mouharam, or enjoy the national holiday of Aid el Arch that is celebrated for its coronation of King Mohammed VI.