Casablanca Dreams explores the multi-layered history of Casablanca, Morocco, moving beyond its Hollywood image to reveal a city shaped by colonialism, cultural dynamism, and its role in Moroccan independence. The book examines how French colonial rule influenced Casablanca's urban planning and social structures, while also highlighting the significance of its bustling markets as centers of trade and cultural exchange. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the city's complex identity and its negotiation between tradition and modernity.
The book approaches its subject by first introducing Casablanca's geographical and pre-colonial background, then delves into the impact of the French protectorate. It progresses to explore the city's involvement in the Moroccan independence movement and its subsequent growth as an economic hub. Through its use of diverse sources, including archival documents and resident interviews, Casablanca Dreams offers a nuanced look at Casablanca's evolution and its place in Moroccan society, addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities while avoiding romanticized portrayals.
