In Islamic states, the architectural style of 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.
Even those who do not practice Islam can enter the building, which was erected using the most modern technologies. And tourists are sure to visit the visiting card of Casablanca, since there are not so 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 tallest mosque in the world. He also laid the first stone in the foundation of the future attraction. After 13 years on the waterplatform, a true symbol of the nation appeared, 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.
An architectural masterpiece reminiscent of a ship
The religious site that has made the modern city the heart of the Muslim state rises above the Atlantic Ocean on a small artificial peninsula and is a 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 its 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 a cliff above the ocean into the sky, can rightfully be called the main cultural center of the city.
Innovative technologies
Architect Michel Pinso worked for a long time on the design of a grandiose structure that becamenational heritage of the country. 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 Hassan II Mosque (a photo of a masterpiece of modern Moroccan art is presented in the article), amazes with a huge interior space that can fit the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral in Paris.
Art of the Masters
More than six thousand skilled craftsmen who came from all over the country worked on the construction of the mosque, which was compared to a precious stone, and its decoration. 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 marbles, frescoes, stucco and mosaics.
What will surprise the luxurious mosque of Hassan II?
The main prayer hall delights with wonderful chandeliers made of Murano glass, which were created by the best craftsmen from Venice. The total weight of the only decoration of the mosque, brought from abroad, exceeds 50 tons. 78 high columns of pink granite, beautifully shimmering in the rays of sunlight,golden marble floor, green onyx slabs, colorful mosaics will delight even experienced tourists.
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 a wonderful example of Moroccan architecture, which has become the most visited in the country, will be surprised by doors with electronic locks, a roof that moves 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 you to 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 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 in the hands of a skilled jeweler, a tall building whimsically shimmers in the rays of sunlight, each time changing shades. They are admired by all visitors who have arrived on a tour of the Hassan II Mosque.
Morocco isan 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 dream come true of the king, who cared about the unity of the state.
