Casablanca, Morocco

 First of all, let’s talk about the 1942 film.  It was shot almost entirely at the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, California.  There was no Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca until 2004, when an enterprising retired American diplomat, Kathy Kriger, acquired a 1930 Moroccan mansion featuring the architectural details inspired by the movie and transformed it into a restaurant.  It exists today under the management of the original owner’s daughter.

The main attraction in Casablanca today is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s most magnificent.  Completed in 1993 and built over the ocean, largely on reclaimed land, it can accommodate 25,000 worshipers inside and an additional 80,000 on its surrounding terrace.  Using materials sourced largely from Morocco, it features Moroccan, Andalusian, and Moorish styles with intricate mosaics, marble floors, carved wood ceilings, horseshoe arches, and even a retractable roof.

Exquisite carving throughout both the interior and exterior of the mosque.

This is the color palette (although most of the mosque is pure white.)

The small door at the end of the aisle faces Mecca.

While clearly overshadowed by this impressive mosque, two other take-aways deserve mention.  In the streets we sometimes saw men in red coats and hats, offering water to passers-by with the hope of receiving a tip.

A symbol we saw frequently during our time in Casablanca was the outstretched palm of a hand.  The Hand of Fatima is a powerful and widespread symbol, found in the design of jewelry, tourist souvenirs,  and decorative household items.  This ancient symbol is beloved by Moroccans, who believe it protects them and brings blessings and happiness.  We saw several hands used as door knockers.