Anfa

Anfa. Anfa is a historic coastal district and former city located within the modern metropolis of Casablanca, Morocco. It served as a significant independent Berber kingdom and port in the medieval period before being destroyed by the Portuguese Empire in the 15th century. The area was later rebuilt and ultimately absorbed into the expanding French protectorate's development of Casablanca, with its name preserved in the upscale Anfa neighborhood and the historic Anfa Conference of 1943.

History

The earliest origins of Anfa trace back to a Berber settlement, which grew into an independent city-state and small kingdom by the 8th century, often interacting with neighboring powers like the Barghawata Confederacy. Its strategic port made it a notable hub for trade and, at times, piracy in the Atlantic Ocean, drawing the attention of European powers. In 1468, King Afonso V of Portugal ordered a punitive expedition that resulted in the sacking and destruction of the city, which was largely abandoned for centuries. The site was refortified by the Portuguese in the early 16th century as part of their Mazagan presidio system, but they later abandoned it. The modern resurgence began in the late 18th century when Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah rebuilt a settlement there, which evolved into the core of modern Casablanca under the Alaouite dynasty. Its 20th-century history was marked by the pivotal Anfa Conference during World War II, where Allied leaders including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle met to discuss war strategy.

Geography

Anfa is situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast of central Morocco, on the Chaouia plain. Its original topography featured a prominent hill overlooking the natural harbor, a key factor in its historical strategic and defensive importance. The area is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Today, the historical boundaries of Anfa are encompassed within the sprawling urban fabric of the Casablanca-Settat region, specifically within the Casablanca prefecture. The district's legacy is geographically anchored by the modern, affluent Anfa neighborhood and the landmark Anfa Place residential and commercial complex.

Economy

Historically, Anfa's economy was fundamentally tied to its port, engaging in trans-Sahara trade, maritime commerce across the Mediterranean Sea, and the export of local agricultural products like wheat and wool. Its reputation for piracy also represented a significant, if illicit, economic activity during its medieval zenith. Following its destruction and long decline, economic activity shifted to the new settlement of Casablanca, which under the French protectorate in Morocco became the nation's primary industrial and financial center. The contemporary Anfa district is now integrated into this metropolitan economy, hosting high-end residential areas, luxury hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Casablanca, and commercial hubs like the Morocco Mall, reflecting Casablanca Finance City's role as a major financial nexus.

Culture

The cultural heritage of Anfa is a blend of its indigenous Amazigh, Arab, and subsequent European influences. This layered history is reflected in the archaeological remnants of the medieval city and the later Art Deco architecture prevalent in central Casablanca. The district is home to important cultural institutions like the Villa des Arts de Casablanca, a museum showcasing modern Moroccan art. Furthermore, the legacy of the 1943 Anfa Conference has cemented its place in global diplomatic history. The area also plays a role in contemporary Moroccan society, with the upscale Anfa neighborhood hosting events and a lifestyle associated with the nation's economic elite.

Notable Landmarks

Key landmarks within the Anfa district include the historic **Anfa Hill**, the original site of the ancient city. The **Anfa Conference** site, where the historic wartime meeting occurred, is marked within the grounds of what is now a luxury hotel complex. The district is also known for the modern **Anfa Place** tower and the sprawling **Anfa Park**, a major urban green space. While few physical structures from the medieval period remain, the area's history is preserved through its name and integration with landmarks of modern Casablanca, such as the nearby Hassan II Mosque and the Royal Palace of Casablanca.

Category:Districts of Casablanca Category:History of Morocco Category:Former populated places in Morocco