My husband's late grandfather served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The ship he served abroad made port in Morocco, and he collected many postcards of Casablanca, Rabat, and other cities. We inherited the album he compiled, but it doesn't really hold any sentimental value to us. (Don't worry; I'm big into genealogy, and we have tons of family photos and records that are definitely staying with us!) So these Moroccan postcards are looking for a new home through Postcardigans @ Etsy.
I always research some information about the image on postcards. First and foremost, I'm a historical research geek--I have a masters degree in history, so there can never be too much research. Besides, it's fun to find and share tidbits of information. Secondly, it's good for Google; they like unique descriptions full of keywords. But these postcards are a challenge to research because of the history of Morocco.
I always research some information about the image on postcards. First and foremost, I'm a historical research geek--I have a masters degree in history, so there can never be too much research. Besides, it's fun to find and share tidbits of information. Secondly, it's good for Google; they like unique descriptions full of keywords. But these postcards are a challenge to research because of the history of Morocco.
During the imperial clamor of European nations in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Morocco was caught in squabbles involving France, Spain, Britain, and Germany. France sent in troops "to protect their interests" and occupied the city of Fez. After an unsuccessful attempt by the Moroccan military to retake the city, the Treaty of Fez in 1912 made Morocco a French protectorate. (Also during that year, the extreme northern and southern portions of Morocco became Spanish protectorates.)
World War II weakened European power, however, and the countries' hold on their empires began to crumble. On April 7, 1956, France relinquished control of Morocco, and the country became a constitution monarchy under Mohammed V. The Spanish protectorate ended within a year.
World War II weakened European power, however, and the countries' hold on their empires began to crumble. On April 7, 1956, France relinquished control of Morocco, and the country became a constitution monarchy under Mohammed V. The Spanish protectorate ended within a year.
Some of the major streets have retained their French names, though, like Boulevard de Paris. But over time, Morocco has renamed the streets, squares, and other place names in Casablanca from French to Arab ones. Place de France became Mohammed V Square. This list only consists of one example, though, because information about the name changes is hard to come by. The above postcard features Rue Chevandier de Valdrome and Square Gentil, named after French geologist Louis Gentile. But no where can I find what these places are named today. For once, Google isn't much help.
So, for many of these postcards, I can't include information the modern location of these pictured scenes in Casablanca. It's quite frustrating for me, but, hey, it is what it is.
Come check out all the Moroccan postcards I have listed over at Postcardigans @ Etsy. I have many more to add as well, so keep a look out!
So, for many of these postcards, I can't include information the modern location of these pictured scenes in Casablanca. It's quite frustrating for me, but, hey, it is what it is.
Come check out all the Moroccan postcards I have listed over at Postcardigans @ Etsy. I have many more to add as well, so keep a look out!