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Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco (26 photos)

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Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher.

The Hassan II Mosque is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, which can be seen from a huge glass floor with a room that can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. Another 80,000 Muslims can be located in the adjacent territory of the mosque, in total, the mosque can accommodate 105,000 believers at the same time. Photo by Thomas Andersen.

The Hassan II Mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. Photo by atsjebosma.

Almost half of the Hassan II mosque is located above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by atsjebosma.

The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque is 210 m (689 ft) high. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher.

Work on the construction of the mosque was started on July 12, 1986 and completed on August 30, 1993. Photo by mhobl.

The mosque is equipped with modern technology: underfloor heating, electric doors, retractable roofs. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher.

All granite, plaster, marble, wood and other materials used to build the Hassan II Mosque were taken from different regions of Morocco. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher.

Ceiling in the Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher.

Interior of the Hassan II Mosque. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher.

The only exception is the white granite columns and glass chandeliers, which were shipped from Italy. Photo by atsjebosma.

Six thousand traditional Moroccan artisans worked on the construction of the Hassan II mosque for five years. Photo by Thomas Andersen.

Incredibly beautiful mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns. Photo by Thomas Andersen.

A Muslim at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo by [email protected] e una combattente!

The Hassan II Mosque in Morocco is also open to non-Muslims. You can view the interior of the mosque on a one-hour tour that takes place several times a day. Photo by Thomas Andersen.

Trading shop in Morocco. Photo by atsjebosma.

Women in Morocco. Photo by atsjebosma.

Morocco. Photo by Thomas Andersen.

Selling strawberries on the streets of Morocco. Photo by atsjebosma.

in Islamic states architectural style religious monuments was formed under the influence of national traditions and cultural characteristics. In Casablanca, more than 25 years ago, the majestic Hassan II Mosque appeared, which has become the main attraction of Morocco. Surprisingly, it was designed by a non-Muslim French architect.

The building, erected using the most modern technologies, can be entered even by those who do not profess Islam. And tourists are sure to visit the visiting card of Casablanca, since there are not many mosques in Morocco, where guests from Europe are allowed access.

Mosque symbolizing the unity of the country

In 1980, King Hassan II announced his desire to build the most high mosque in the world. He also laid the first stone in the foundation of the future attraction. After 13 years, a genuine symbol of the nation appeared on the platform protruding above the water, resembling a frigate soaring from afar. When the 10-meter waves of the Atlantic Ocean during high tides beat against the walls of a religious masterpiece, it seems to believers that the great mosque of Hassan II is sailing forward like a ship.

The monument to the unity of the country, built in honor of the sixtieth birthday of the monarch, impresses with its size: its length is 183 meters, its width is more than 90 meters, and its height is almost 55 meters.

A masterpiece of architecture resembling a ship

Religious object that made modern city the heart of the Muslim state, rises above the Atlantic Ocean on a small artificial peninsula and is the true embodiment of those lines of the Koran that describe the throne of Allah built over water. The mosque of Hassan II, standing on a rock, as if emerging from the snow-white foam of the sea waves, combines modern and ancient Islamic traditions that have developed in architecture. The gigantic complex, spread over nine hectares, can accommodate up to 100,000 worshipers in the halls and courtyard.

The architectural ensemble includes a library, underground parking, a madrasah (Muslim theological seminary), a museum and a stable. Therefore, the real decoration of Casablanca, as if ready to soar from the cliff above the ocean into the sky, can rightly be called the main cultural center cities.

Innovative technologies

Architect Michel Pinsot worked for a long time on the design of the grandiose structure, which became the country's national heritage. The construction of the wonder of the world of the Muslim world used innovative technologies, as it was built with adaptability to any weather conditions in mind. An earthquake-resistant structure that will withstand even a strong earthquake rises not on a natural surface, but on an artificially created platform supported by pylons.

The majestic mosque of Hassan II (a photo of a masterpiece of modern Moroccan art is presented in the article), amazes with a huge interior space that can fit Catholic cathedral Notre Dame in Paris.

Art of the masters

More than six thousand skilled craftsmen who came from different parts of the country worked on the construction of the mosque, which was compared to a precious stone, and its design. Building materials, decor items were brought from different parts of Morocco. The facade of a gigantic monument of architectural art is lined with snow-white and cream-colored marble, and its roof is lined with emerald granite slabs. Spacious halls shimmering with different colors are decorated with rare types of marble, frescoes, stucco and mosaics.

What will surprise the luxurious mosque of Hassan II?

The main prayer hall delights with wonderful Murano glass chandeliers, which were created by the best craftsmen from Venice. Total weight the only decoration of the mosque, brought from abroad, exceeds 50 tons. 78 high columns made of pink granite, beautifully shimmering in the rays of sunlight, marble floor shimmering with gold, green onyx slabs, colored mosaics will delight even tourists who have seen a lot.

At the world's highest minaret (210 meters), a laser spotlight starts working in the evenings, which sends light beams towards the center of the Islamic world - Mecca, calling for night prayers. Curiously, this is the first mosque with heated floors.

Guests of this marvelous example of Moroccan architecture, which has become the most visited in the country, will be surprised by doors with electronic locks, a roof that slides apart if there are an order of magnitude more worshipers than the Hassan II mosque (Casablanca) can accommodate, floor coverings made of transparent high-strength glass, allowing see the waters of the ocean and the inhabitants of the seabed.

Pride and discontent of the townspeople

Most of the locals are proud of the luxurious facility, which was built over $800 million. However, those who were evicted without any compensation from the houses located on the territory of the future construction site are unhappy and believe that such an impressive amount could have been spent not on the Hassan II mosque, but on the construction of social facilities in the city.

A monarch's dream come true

Luxurious, reminiscent of a pearl that fell into the hands of a skilled jeweler, the tall building whimsically shimmers in the rays of sunlight, each time changing shades. It is admired by all visitors who arrived on an excursion to the Hassan II mosque.

Morocco is an exotic country that boasts unique sights. Each ruler dreamed of leaving a memory of himself in the form of real architectural works, which eventually became a national treasure. And the symbol of the city of Casablanca is the best achievement and realized dream of the king, who cared about the unity of the state.

Morocco, Casablanca, Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca, Morocco

Description

The Hassan II Mosque is a majestic religious building with the highest minaret in the world. This is a must-see attraction in Casablanca.

The mosque is located northwest of the old Medina, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

mosque architecture

The roof is trimmed with bright emerald tiles and moves apart during the prayer service, and at the very top of the minaret there is a laser spotlight, the green beam of which, illuminating the sky, is directed towards the Sacred Mosque, located in Mecca.

The prayer hall is decorated with numerous columns of pink granite, the floors are finished with golden marble and green onyx slabs, and the ceilings are decorated with magnificent Venetian chandeliers. The walls of the mosque are decorated with frescoes, multi-colored mosaics and intricate patterns, hand-carved and painted wood, as well as carved semicircular arches, are impressive.

The mosque also has cultural significance. Here are located: a two-story Muslim school-madrasah, conference rooms, a library, a museum of Moroccan history, as well as magnificent well-groomed gardens, which are a popular vacation spot among local residents.

• Non-Islamic people are allowed to enter the mosque.
• The architect of the mosque - Michel Pinso was not a Muslim.
• The mosque was built at the expense of donations, 800 million dollars were spent on the construction.
• The mosque has heated floors for the convenience of worshipers.
• At high tide or when the waves rise, it seems that the mosque is floating on the water.

Hassan II Great Mosque, call to prayer

And the seventh largest in the world. Rising 210 meters above the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, it can accommodate up to 105,000 worshipers at the same time.

Myths and facts

Recognizing the lack of historical monuments in Casablanca, King Hassan II, on his birthday (July 9, 1980), declared his desire "to endow the city with a large, beautiful building that Casablanca can be proud of until the end of time."

Construction began in July 1986, designed by architect Michel Pinsot, on land reclaimed (without compensation to former residents) in a run-down area by the sea. According to experts, the construction cost $ 800 million, collected through donations.

It took 6 years, more than 6,000 craftsmen and 10,000 artists to build the mosque. Almost all materials used were from Morocco, with the exception of white granite columns and glass chandeliers brought from.

But, despite all efforts, it was not possible to complete the mosque for the 60th anniversary of King Hassan II in 1989, it was opened on August 30, 1993.

What to watch

The most distinctive feature of the Hassan II Mosque is its superb location on a platform above the Atlantic Ocean. It is also unique that part of the floors of the mosque are made of glass, so worshipers can kneel right above the sea. Unfortunately, these rooms are for royal use and are not open to visitors. And from above, an automated sunroof opens to heaven. Thus, during prayer, one can actually contemplate the sky and the ocean, in accordance with the wishes of Hasan.

The 210 m high minaret is the tallest building in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world. At night, laser beams from the top of the tower shine in the direction of Mecca, "to show the way to Allah." The building was designed to be seismically resistant, equipped with underfloor heating and electric doors.

Other sights of Morocco: the old royal palace, a majestic fortress with gold-orange walls, a white-walled Medina near a busy fishing port, a vivid example of southern Moroccan architecture - earthen buildings.

The Hassan II Mosque is open to Muslims daily, and there are guided tours in English several times a day for non-Muslims.
Located about 10 minutes by taxi from the city center (about 15 dh).

* All photos open in large size (1920x1200px - Full HD).

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“The throne of Allah rests on the water,” said King Hassan II of Morocco, announcing in 1980 his intention to build the largest mosque in the world, “so we will also build a new mosque on the water.”

The Hassan II Mosque really stands on the water, or rather, above the water.

This huge structure is erected on a platform protruding into the sea, and through the glass floor of the mosque you can see the sea waves.

The construction of the mosque lasted for thirteen years, from 1980 to 1993. It has become only the second largest in the world, but in terms of its architectural and artistic merits, it can undoubtedly claim the first place among the great buildings of the second half of the 20th century.

The mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinso. The appearance of the mosque embodies the features of the best buildings of medieval Arab-Spanish architecture known to the whole world - the Giralda in Seville, the Umayyad mosque in Damascus, the Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech.

The Hassan II Mosque has become the symbol of Casablanca and the special pride of all Moroccans.

Actually, it was conceived as a monument to the unity of the country, solidarity and creative genius of the Moroccan people. Funds for its construction were collected throughout the country. Those who donated more than a hundred dirhams were given a nominal certificate, which many thousands of Moroccans proudly put up in the most prominent place!

The total cost of the project was $800 million. Marble was brought from the quarries of Agadir, granite - from Tafrut.

Only huge 50-ton chandeliers for the central prayer hall were ordered in Venice (Italy).

Morocco has been famous for its artisans since the Middle Ages, and many ancient crafts are not forgotten here to this day.

About 2.5 thousand of the country's best craftsmen - masons, mosaicists, stone and wood carvers - came from all over the country to build the mosque. In total, 35 thousand people worked daily on the construction of the temple.

The Hassan II Mosque has become a real masterpiece of modern Moroccan art. It has been compared to a precious stone, with "the largest canvas that has ever come into the possession of Moroccan artists."

The huge building both inside and outside literally shimmers from the bizarre play of light and shadow.

Colored marble, polished stone, mosaics, the finest calligraphic Arabic inscriptions, carvings, ornamental paintings - all traditional methods of decoration found their most complete embodiment in the Hassan II mosque, expressed in the language of modern art.

At the same time, traditions here vividly echo modern technological trends: for example, at night a laser beam appears on top of the minaret, indicating the direction to Mecca.

By the way, the minaret of the Hassan II mosque is the highest in the world: its height is 200 m. The dimensions of the mosque itself are: length - 183 m, width - 91.5 m, height - 54.9 m.

The prayer hall is designed for 20 thousand people, another 80 thousand people can be accommodated in the courtyard.

The huge ensemble also includes a madrasah, a library, a museum, an underground parking lot for a thousand cars and a stable for 50 horses.

The grand opening of the mosque took place on August 30, 1993. Today, this majestic, rising "from the sea to the sky" temple has become a true decoration of Casablanca.

After visiting the mosque in , I did not think that any other mosque could make such a powerful impression on me.

However, the mosque of Hassan II struck me no less. They are very different, so it is very difficult to compare. The mosque in Casablanca reminded me more of a Gothic temple, the same large long rectangular hall, high ceilings, you still feel the influence of the European school.