Luxurious mosque of Hasan II - a visiting card of Casablanca

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 there was a majestic mosque of Hasan II, which became the main attraction of Morocco. Surprisingly, it was built on the design of a French architect who is not a Muslim.

In a building erected using the most modern technologies, one can enter even those who do not practice Islam. And tourists always visit the business card of Casablanca, because there are not so many mosques in Morocco, where visitors from Europe are open to visitors.

The mosque, which symbolizes the unity of the country

In 1980, King Hassan II announced his desire to erect the highest mosque in the world. He also laid the first stone in the foundation of the future landmark. After 13 years, a genuine symbol of the nation appeared on the platform above the water, reminiscent of a frigate looking from the sky. When 10-meter waves of the Atlantic Ocean during the tides are beating against the walls of a religious masterpiece, it seems to believers that the great mosque of Hasan II is floating ahead like a ship.

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

A masterpiece of architecture reminiscent of a ship

The religious object that made the 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 in which the throne of Allah built above the water is described. Standing on the rock, the mosque of Hasan II, as if emerging from the snow-white foam of sea waves, combines modern and ancient Islamic traditions that have developed in architecture. The giant complex, spread over nine hectares, can accommodate up to 100 thousand believers in the halls and courtyard.

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

Innovative technologies

Architect Michelle Pinzo worked for a long time on the design of the grandiose structure, which became the national heritage of the country. When building the miracle of the world of the Muslim world, innovative technologies were used, as it was built, thinking about adapting to any weather conditions. The earthquake-proof structure, which 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 Hasan II (a photo of the masterpiece of modern Moroccan art is presented in the article), amazes with a huge interior space, where the Catholic cathedral of Notre Dame can be located in Paris.

Art of Masters

More than six thousand skilled craftsmen who came from different parts of the country worked on building a mosque that was compared to a precious stone and its design. Building materials, decorative items were brought from different parts of Morocco. The facade of the monumental dimensions of the monument of architectural art is faced with marble of snow-white and cream shades, and its roof is lined with emerald granite slabs. The spacious halls are full of different colors, decorated with rare marble, frescoes, stucco molding and mosaic.

What will surprise the luxurious mosque of Hassan II?

The main prayer hall is admired by wonderful chandeliers made of Murano glass, the creation of which was made by the best masters from Venice. The total weight of the sole decoration of the mosque, brought from abroad, exceeds 50 tons. 78 tall columns of pink granite, beautifully shimmering in the rays of sunlight, gold-plated marble floor, plates of green onyx, colored mosaics will delight even many tourists who have seen.

At the highest minaret in the world (210 meters) in the evenings, a laser projector begins to work, which sends light rays towards the center of the Islamic world - Mecca, calling for night prayer. Curiously, this is the first mosque with heated floors.

Guests of a wonderful sample of Moroccan architecture, which has become the most visited in the country, will be surprised by the doors with electronic locks, the roof, which will be expanded if the worshipers are an order of magnitude greater than the mosque of Hasan II (Casablanca), the floor coverings of transparent high-strength glass, allowing See the waters of the ocean and the inhabitants of the seabed.

Pride and discontent of citizens

Most of the local residents are proud of the luxurious construction, for the construction of which more than $ 800 million was spent. However, those who were evicted without any compensation from the houses that were in the future construction site are unhappy and believe that such an impressive amount could be spent not on the Hassan II mosque but on the construction of social facilities of the city.

Realized dream of the monarch

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

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 that eventually became a national treasure. And the symbol of the city of Casablanca is the best achievement and realized dream of the king, who took care of the unity of the state.