Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. It serves as the nation's primary economic and business hub.

The city sits on the Atlantic coast. It is located within the Chaouia plain in central-western Morocco. The urban area holds about 3.22 million people. The larger Greater Casablanca region has over 4.27 million residents. This makes it the most populous city in the Maghreb region. It also ranks as the ninth-largest city in the Arab world.

The city operates as a vital center for global trade and finance. The Port of Casablanca is a massive artificial port. It is one of the largest artificial ports in Africa. It also ranks as the third-largest port in North Africa. This follows Tanger-Med and Port Said. The city also hosts the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. Financially, Casablanca is a significant global player. It ranked 54th in the September 2023 Global Financial Centres Index.

The Casablanca Stock Exchange is Africa's third-largest by market capitalization.

Many major American and European companies keep their headquarters here.

The name "Casablanca" has a complex and debated history. Before the 15th century, the settlement was known as Anfa.

Different scholars have proposed various origins for this name. Some suggested it came from a specific tribe. Others looked to Hebrew words for birds or faces. A sociologist named André Adam suggested Tamazight origins. He noted the name could mean "hill" or "sea promontory."

Local legends also mention a Sufi saint named Allal al-Qairawani. He reportedly settled there with his wife, Lalla al-Baiḍāʾ. This name means "White Lady."

Another theory involves the literal meaning of the city's name. In the 16th century, Portuguese mariners called the town "Casa Branca." This translates to "White House." This name likely came from a white-washed structure on a hill. This structure may have been a Sufi zawiya. It served as a landmark for sailors.

The Spanish later changed the name to Casablanca. This was a "calque," or a direct translation, of the Portuguese. During the French protectorate, the name Casablanca remained in use. Today, locals use both the Arabic name and the name Casablanca.

Casablanca's history stretches back to the seventh century BC. Berbers originally founded and settled the area. The Phoenicians and Romans later used it as a port. In 744 AD, the city was part of the Berber kingdom of Barghawata.

The city rose in importance under the Merinids in the 14th century. However, the Portuguese conquered the area in 1572. They bombarded the town into ruins in 1468. Later, Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah rebuilt the city. He constructed the port between 1756 and 1790. He renamed it "ad-Dār al-Bayḍāʾ," which means "The White House."

The 20th century brought intense colonial struggle and change. In 1906, the Treaty of Algeciras gave France more control. This led to a violent bombardment in August 1907. French gunboats attacked the city, causing many deaths.

During World War II, the city saw major military action. American forces captured Casablanca from Vichy control in November 1942. The city also hosted a large American air base. This base eventually became Mohammed V International Airport.

In January 1943, the Anfa Conference was held here.

Leaders Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met to discuss the war. They adopted the policy of "unconditional surrender" for the Axis powers.

Modern Casablanca is a city of distinct urban zones. French planning under Henri Prost created a new colonial landscape.

He designed a European city outside the old Medina walls. This created a contact point between different styles of living.

One major landmark is the United Nations Square.

The city also features grand architecture, such as the Residence for Hubert Lyautey.

Today, the city continues to grow as a massive industrial zone. It remains the economic heart of Morocco, connecting the nation to the world.