Sunday, August 30, 2009

The People of Casablanca, Morocco

People are the same the world over. These women were sitting and catching up on the day's events after shopping in the old Medina section of downtown Casablanca. Their clothes may be distinctive and characteristic of the Arab world, but does this otherwise look like a scene that you might see in your home town?
This is a detail of the clock tower in the wall of the old Medina.
This is the clock tower of the old Medina. Casablanca is the third largest city in Africa. It was a small town until the French made it their commercial center. Except for the old walled Medina, most of the city was developed in the 20th century.
This is a shopkeeper in the new Medina section of Casablanca, developed by the French because the old, walled Medina was too small and crowded. His smile must mean that either business is good, or he was happy to have his photo taken.
The doorways of Morocco often hide courtyards with intricately patterned tiled walls and relaxing fountains.
Who needs a table to play checkers when you have four knees? The mirror in front of a shop in the new Medina reveals the concentration on both sides of the face of the man on the right. It must be his move next, and it looks like he is down a piece or two.
This family set up a table for dinner in the old Medina of Casablanca. It is common in Morocco to see women carrying young children in a sling draped around their shoulders.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Wonderful photos! Street scenes in Marocco are fantastic! It seems you managed to capture them quite easily.

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

JM,
Julie is much better a capturing people pictures than me. Part of it is her superior talent, interest and energy. Part of it is that people seem much more willing to allow themselves to be photographed by her than by me. I think it has something to do with her smiling at them and her being a tall blonde with an outgoing, engaging and friendly personality.

Lois said...

Those are all such beautiful shots Julie! I think my favorite is the first one of the women and I agree with you. Except for their clothing, they don't look much different from what I would see around here!

Magdalena said...

I love these shots, I have not been to Casablanca but dream of going there. I found you through the wonderful turquoise diaries..and I am so glad I did!!!

robert said...

'No, you have to boil them for ten minutes, else he won't eat them.'
As the early evening is the only time when it's not hot during summer, people gather around, exchanging maybe recepies for dinner, children at the playground, laughter...
With nearly a quarter to seven it might be just the right time to start cooking, a thought which might have made the shopkeeper smiling as well ;) Returning home to his garden hidden behind the door.
What a wonderful picture of those two men playing chess. Chapeau!
For the last one: like the woman on the left edge, asking probably the kid why she eats also the pieces belonging to her brothers.
...aaahhh, what a wonderful journey tonight, am honestly grateful to have been allowed to make it, at close to 03.40 over here.
Please have a nice new week.

Thérèse said...

And all this mixture of both traditional and new clothings. Well captured.

Memphis MOJO said...

Another great series, Julie & Dave. I especially like the reflection of the man (playing checkers) in the mirror.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Absolutely a nice post, ready for "Taxidiaris"!! Well done.

Tiago Ralha said...

Really great photos!! Its wonderful to see the essence of everyday...

brattcat said...

I love your people shots.

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