What to do with a free day in Casablanca? The number one recommendation is a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, and after today we understand why – it’s stunning, and the stats are mind-blowing!
The idea of building the mosque reflected the desire of the previous King, Hassan II, to provide Casablanca with a spiritual monument that would increase it’s influence in the world. The Mosque is relatively new, built between 1987 and 1993, reflecting authentic Moroccan architecture and art, while also highlighting it’s openness to technological innovation. The design was completed by a French company, while 77 Moroccan architects worked on the project.
It’s the 3rd largest Mosque in the world and boasts the tallest religious minaret in the world, rising 200m. The project was funded by the people of Morocco, with every person donating within their means.
‘Vast’ is probably the best word to describe the scale of the building. The 25,000m2 prayer hall accommodates 20,000 men and 5,000 women, with a 60m high timber roof that slides open to allow prayer under clear skies. The courtyard holds a further 80,000 people and apparently reaches capacity on special days and during Ramadan. It must be spectacular to see this place at capacity, at it’s best.
The extent and beauty of the craftsmanship is like nothing else we’ve seen. There are 53,000m2 of carved wood, and 10,000m2 of zellij (mosaic tilework), featuring 80 new patterns, all created by hand.
More than 12,500 artisans and workers participated in the build. The majority were employed locally, which must have been a massive boost to the economy at the time, and created a deep connection and commitment to the project.
The 50 murano glass chandeliers spread throughout the space are 10m high and each weigh 1200kg… insanely proportionate with the size of the space!
Under the prayer hall, the 4,800m2 ablution hall features 45 marble fountains that represent lotus flowers, and a total of 600 taps around the walls. The craftsmanship is just as stunning in these spaces as the prayer hall.
Outside, the craftsmanship is just as detailed and beautiful. The fountains, arches and decorative elements feature the calm geometric symmetry that is synonymous with Muslim architecture.
The mosque sits on reclaimed land alongside the ocean, meaning it’s also an engineering feat! It means that it has uninterrupted views from the coastline and apparently the sound of waves can be heard during prayer.
Casablanca sits on the Atlantic ocean and there seemed to be a huge number of cargo ships and bulk carriers visible off the coast. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology (yay for vesselfinder.com!) we worked out that there were 91 ships in and around the port. Not sure if that’s a reflection of how busy or (in)efficient it is!
The city has developed a beautiful beachside walk along the ocean, from the mosque to beachside suburbs such as Anfa. Plenty of families had climbed down to the rocks and on to the beach to enjoy the day.
For us, it was just great to stretch our legs and soak up the Casablanca sun before meeting our guide Mohamed and tour group for the evening. It’s a great bunch of adventurous young people from Canada, USA and Scotland… I think we’re going to have a fabulous week!
Love M & A x
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