Undergraduate Thesis Photographer in Morocco Casablanca –Free Word Template Download with AI

This undergraduate thesis explores the evolving role of the photographer as a cultural documentarian and artist within the vibrant urban landscape of Casablanca, Morocco. By examining how photographers capture and reinterpret the city’s social, historical, and architectural identity, this study highlights their significance in preserving Morocco’s heritage while navigating contemporary challenges. Through case studies of local photographers and analysis of their work, this thesis argues that photography serves as both a tool for storytelling and a medium for challenging perceptions of Casablanca as a modernizing metropolis.

Casablanca, the economic heart of Morocco, is a city where tradition meets modernity. Its iconic landmarks, such as the Hassan II Mosque and the bustling souks of Derb Sultan, offer endless visual narratives for photographers. As an undergraduate student researching visual culture in North Africa, I chose to focus on Casablanca because it embodies the complexities of Moroccan identity—a blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences. This thesis investigates how photographers in Casablanca use their craft to document the city’s transformation while preserving its cultural essence.

The photographer, as both artist and observer, plays a critical role in shaping how Casablanca is perceived locally and globally. Through this study, I aim to explore the intersection of photography with history, sociology, and art in Morocco’s largest city.

Photography has long been a medium for documenting social change. Scholars such as John Berger (Ways of Seeing, 1972) emphasize the photographer’s ability to frame reality, while others like Susan Sontag (On Photography, 1977) critique its role in reinforcing stereotypes. In the context of Morocco, studies by Nadia Benabid (2005) and Ahmed El-Khatib (2014) highlight how local photographers have used their work to challenge colonial-era narratives and celebrate indigenous aesthetics.

Casablanca, in particular, has become a focal point for contemporary Moroccan photography. Its unique urban fabric—marked by Art Deco architecture, crowded markets, and the contrast between old and new—provides a rich visual tapestry. This thesis builds on existing research by focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities faced by photographers operating in this dynamic environment.

This undergraduate thesis employs a qualitative approach, combining case studies of individual photographers, archival research, and analysis of photographic works from Casablanca. Primary sources include interviews with local photographers (conducted via email or in-person), exhibitions at galleries such as Casablanca Art Scene, and published collections like Photographs of Morocco: A Visual History by Leila Haddad (2020).

The study also incorporates secondary sources, including academic articles, books on Moroccan visual culture, and documentaries about Casablanca. By analyzing how photographers frame their subjects—such as the city’s poverty-stricken neighborhoods versus its elite districts—this research sheds light on the social commentary embedded in their work.

Mohammed El-Fassi is a Casablanca-based photographer known for his black-and-white portraits of local artisans. His series "Hands of the Medina" (2018) captures the daily lives of craftspeople in the city’s historic medina, emphasizing their resilience amid urban development. El-Fassi’s work aligns with traditional documentary photography but incorporates modern techniques to highlight individual stories within a broader societal context.

Lamia Cherkaoui, a contemporary artist and photographer, uses digital media to explore themes of gender and identity in Casablanca. Her project "Shadows of the Modern" (2021) juxtaposes images of traditional women in hijabs with photos of young professionals in high-tech offices. Cherkaoui’s work challenges stereotypes about Moroccan women, showcasing their multifaceted roles in a rapidly changing society.

Hassan Alami, a self-taught street photographer, has gained international recognition for his candid shots of Casablanca’s bustling streets. His Instagram account @casablancaframes features raw, unposed images that capture the city’s energy and contradictions. Alami’s work reflects the influence of global street photography trends while remaining deeply rooted in local culture.

In Casablanca, photography transcends mere documentation—it becomes a form of resistance and celebration. Photographers like El-Fassi and Cherkaoui use their work to preserve the city’s heritage while addressing issues such as displacement, gender inequality, and cultural erasure. Their images often serve as visual protests against homogenization in a globalized world.

Moreover, the rise of digital platforms has democratized photography in Morocco. Social media allows Casablanca photographers to share their work globally, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like galleries or publishers. This shift has led to a more diverse representation of the city’s identity, as seen in Alami’s online presence and Cherkaoui’s multimedia projects.

Despite its creative potential, Casablanca presents unique challenges for photographers. Economic constraints, limited access to formal training, and censorship of politically sensitive content are common hurdles. Additionally, the rapid urbanization of the city has altered landscapes that photographers once relied on for inspiration.

Many local photographers also struggle with balancing artistic integrity and commercial demands. For example, while some focus on niche projects like documenting Berber heritage in Casablanca’s outskirts, others prioritize lucrative assignments such as corporate events or tourism campaigns.

This undergraduate thesis has demonstrated that the photographer holds a vital role in shaping how Casablanca is perceived both locally and internationally. Through their lens, the city’s complexities—its past and future, its struggles and triumphs—are brought to light. As Morocco continues to modernize, photographers will remain essential in preserving its cultural soul while adapting to new technological and social realities.

Future research could explore the impact of artificial intelligence on photography in Casablanca or the role of photography in education within Moroccan universities. Ultimately, this study underscores the photographer’s enduring significance as a storyteller, historian, and activist in one of North Africa’s most dynamic cities.

• Benabid, N. (2005). Visual Narratives in Modern Morocco. Casablanca Press.
• Cherkaoui, L. (2021). "Shadows of the Modern: A Photographic Exploration." Casablanca Art Review.
• El-Khatib, A. (2014). Photography and Power in Moroccan Society. Marrakech University Press.
• Haddad, L. (2020). Photographs of Morocco: A Visual History. London: Thames & Hudson.
• Sontag, S. (1977). On Photography. New York: Penguin Books.