Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque
- The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, stands as a stunning architectural marvel. It ranks as the second-largest operational Musjid in Africa and the 14th largest worldwide, uniquely positioned above the Atlantic Ocean with its foundations partially on land and partially extending over the water.
- The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque soars to 210 meters (689 feet), making it the second tallest globally. Completed in 1993, the Musjid was designed by Michel Pinseau under the auspices of King Hassan II and constructed by Moroccan artisans from across the country. The 60-story minaret features a laser beam that points towards Mecca. The Musjid offers worshippers breathtaking sea views, although there is no glass floor. The structure’s walls are adorned with hand-crafted marble, and its roof is retractable. It has the capacity to hold up to 105,000 worshippers, with 25,000 inside the main hall and an additional 80,000 on the surrounding grounds.
- Situated on Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, the 9-hectare (22-acre) complex lies between the harbor and the El Hank lighthouse. It is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Casa-Port train station. A ten-lane boulevard lined with shops runs along the southern facade of the Musjid and stretches to the gates of the Palace Oued el Makhazine in the city center, mirroring the Musjid’s basilical layout.
- The Hassan II Mosque complex also includes a madrasa (Islamic school), hammams (bathhouses), a museum dedicated to Moroccan history, conference halls, and an extensive library acclaimed as the “most comprehensive in the Islamic world.” The courtyard features 41 exquisitely decorated fountains. The surrounding gardens are meticulously maintained and serve as a popular spot for family picnics. The traditionally designed madrasa encompasses 4,840 square meters (52,100 square feet), including the basement. It is two stories high, with a semi-circular shape that adjoins the qibla wall and mihrab section.
