Casablanca
Today is Eid, celebrating the end of Ramadan. A three day holiday. It’s a day of forgiveness, a day for visiting family and friends. Beginning with prayer at the mosque from 7-730 then the streets are full with people walking home, all in traditional djellaba, a robe with a hood.
As we leave for Casablanca Abdul tells us about the arabs and the berbers who make up much of Morocco's population. Despite their differences there are no problems and they coexist and intermarry easily.
Islam arrived in the 8th century. There are 5 pillars which Muslims try to adhere to: a belief in Allah, prayer times, 5 a day, which seem very strict and ritualistic, observing Ramadan fasting and sharing, giving to charity, 2.5 - 10% and a pilgrimage to Mecca if possible. 3-4 million want to go each year and there’s a lottery for tickets based on your country’s population. With a population of 38 million only 38000 tickets are allocated to Morocco.
Casablanca is the 'white house', the stress city. It’s densely populated with large numbers of apartments. Driving around the city we have quick stops at the main beach and the Hassan II mosque which cost $US700 million to build. It is the largest in Africa, has a tower over 200m tall and accommodates 25000 inside and 80000 outside. It seems that everybody has come out, dressed up, for a family photo at the mosque.
There’s a photo stop at the Notre Dame of Casablanca, then at Rick’s cafe, a business opportunity created after the filming of Casablanca, all done in Hollywood.
Through the 18th century markets and past the Royal palace. The king is staying here tonight. The Mohammed V main square is full of families, fairy floss, rides, even Disney characters looking for a photo opportunity.
Even when we return at night there are still large groups of people out enjoying the holiday More tagine for dinner, lamb this time, then home for a good nights rest.
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