Unveiling the neo-Moroccan city: a historical exploration of Casablanca's Habous district (1917-1926)

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the history and significance of Casablanca's Habous district, a unique colonial urban experiment blending traditional Islamic and early 20th-century European principles. Built between 1917 and 1926 to house large influxes of migrants, it represented a deviation from initial French plans to simply preserve existing medinas. It even supplanted Casablanca's medina as the nucleus of Muslim life. Through extensive archival research from the National Moroccan Archives (Rabat) and the Chaillot Archives (Paris) this article argues that while initially an exception, the Habous proved central to colonial visions of ordering urban space and society in Morocco's growing economic capital. It reflected core aspects of Resident-General Lyautey's strategy, showcasing French power and paternalism while providing locals with symbolic cultural continuity amidst modernization. Unearthing the unusual history of the Habous holds significance for comprehending the history of colonial political agendas and their materialization in colonial planning and housing, and also of architecture experimentation and innovation. After all, it earned the reputation of being the most surprising and impactful colonial creation in Morocco, which served as an inspiration for subsequent architectural projects. But its level of refinement remained unmatched by subsequent mass housing districts. The conclusion ponders whether its status warrants greater international recognition.