A hole in the wall: French colonial planning approaches and the building of the Central Market in Rabat, Morocco (1922–1925)

The Central Market of Rabat, built by French colonial powers between 1922 and 1925, represents a unique case study that both challenged and reinforced colonial urban planning agendas. This market, despite being a notable landmark in Rabat's history, had been overlooked until now. By analyzing National Moroccan archives and colonial postcards, the study reveals how the market defied key colonial planning principles such as the 'policy of association,' the 'image of the city,' and the 'dual city.' The demolition of the medina wall adjacent to the market exposed inconsistencies in colonial approaches, allowing the 'Ville Nouvelle' (New Town) to penetrate the medina. This research not only sheds light on the complexities of Rabat's colonial history but also provides insights into its contemporary identity, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 and recognized as a cultural capital in 2022.

Kassab, R. Y. (2022). A hole in the wall: French colonial planning approaches and the building of the Central Market in Rabat, Morocco (1922–1925). Planning Perspectives, 38(3), 499–524. https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2022.2130964