Casablanca

The film Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, premiered in New York City on November 26, 1942. It is set during World War II in the city of Casablanca, Morocco, which is under French control. The film depicts a love story set against the backdrop of the war, involving the main character Rick Blaine, who owns a nightclub in Casablanca. The film became a classic, renowned for its performances, direction, and its timeless themes of love and sacrifice.

The Casablanca Conference took place from January 14 to January 24, 1943, at the Anfa Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco. It was held to plan the Allied European strategy for the next phase of World War II. Hosted by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the conference is significant for the adoption of the policy of "unconditional surrender" of the Axis powers. While Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was invited, he could not attend. The conference is a crucial moment in WWII history.

On March 2, 1956, Morocco officially gained independence from France and Casablanca became part of the newly sovereign nation of Morocco. The city, an important economic hub due to its port and industrial complex, rapidly developed post-independence. The reintegration of Casablanca into Morocco marked the end of French colonial control and the beginning of a new era of modern state-building under King Mohammed V. This transformation had significant cultural, political, and economic impacts on the city and the country as a whole.

The idea for the Hassan II Mosque was conceived by King Hassan II, who wanted Casablanca to have a landmark of monumental significance. The mosque's construction began in 1986 and was completed in 1993. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and Africa, and the 7th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world's second tallest at 210 meters. The mosque stands partly over the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizing the concept of 'God’s throne being on the water'. The architecture reflects a stunning mix of traditional Moorish design and modern technology.

The first Casablanca Economic Forum, held on May 12, 1988, brought together international business leaders and political figures to discuss economic development in Africa. The forum aimed to promote Casablanca as an international business hub and foster economic cooperation across African nations. Topics included trade liberalization, investment opportunities, and partnership models for sustainable growth. This initiative was part of broader efforts to increase Casablanca's attractiveness to international investors and affirm its role as an economic powerhouse in the region.

On April 11, 1997, Casablanca experienced significant political unrest. Socioeconomic grievances boiled over, leading to a series of demonstrations and riots. Protestors were mainly driven by frustration over unemployment, corruption, and government policies perceived as neglecting the needy. The government responded with police intervention to suppress the disturbances. These events highlighted ongoing tension between the populace and the state authorities and prompted a reevaluation of socio-economic policies by the Moroccan government.

On May 16, 2003, a series of five simultaneous terrorist attacks shook Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital, resulting in the deaths of 33 civilians and injuring over 100 more. The attacks targeted several locations, including a restaurant, hotel, Jewish community center, and a Spanish social club. This was a pivotal moment in Morocco's history, prompting the government to tighten security measures and embark on more aggressive counter-terrorism strategies. The attacks were attributed to the Salafia Jihadia group.

On October 6, 2008, the Casa Nearshore Park was inaugurated in Casablanca as part of Morocco's strategy to become a global hub for information technology outsourcing. This state-of-the-art technology park hosts numerous multinational firms and offers a range of services in IT and business process outsourcing (BPO). Casa Nearshore Park has become a symbol of Morocco’s emergent role in the technological field and a central point for innovation, particularly in IT and related sectors.

On June 4, 2013, the Moroccan government launched a significant solar energy initiative from Casablanca, emphasizing its commitment to renewable energy sources. This national plan included building one of the world's largest concentrated solar power plants and planned other renewable energy projects. The initiative showcased Morocco's vision for sustainable development and its ambition to become a leading country in solar energy production. The event placed Casablanca as a key player in the global energy transition.

The second line of the Casablanca tramway began operation on July 17, 2016, marking a significant milestone in improving the public transport network of the city. Designed to alleviate the congestion and pollution from Casablanca's rapid urbanization, the tramway network supports thousands of daily commuters across various districts. The development emphasizes modern infrastructure and connects to other public transport modes, promoting sustainable urban living. The tramway is integral to the city's strategic urban development goals.