Spirits of displacement

This article analyzes the interplay between religion and urban transformations by focusing on Moroccan Gnawa, a spiritual network of working-class musicians ritual operators based in old centers (the medinas) most cities, gentrification center Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. Displacement disrupt relation with spaces, which is crucial, though understudied, feature Gnawa brotherhood, thus entails deep changes to their economic, social, life. Urban Casablanca mobilize religious discourses symbols, while restricting access spaces that allow vernacular practice. Religion, however, may also provide language react, at least symbolically, transformations.