Why was the Hassan II mosque built?
King Hassan II stated in a speech on July 9th, 1980, that he wanted ‘to build this mosque on the water, because God’s throne was on water. Therefore the faithful who go there to pray, to praise the creator on firm soil, can contemplate God’s sky and ocean’.
Can non Muslims visit the Hassan II Mosque?
The Mosque of Hassan II is open to Muslims at daily prayer times and for special Friday services. The Mosque is one of the few mosques that are open to non-Muslims; however, guided tours are the only way for non-Muslims to enter the mosque and at specific times. These tours take place many times a day in English.
How long did it take to build Hassan II Mosque?
seven years
It took over seven years and 10,000 craftsman to construct the Hassan II Mosque, but the result is a modern and massive tribute to the former King of Morocco that beautifully blends traditional Moorish architecture with 20th century innovation and equipment.
What is Hassan II mosque known for?
minaret
It is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 7th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s second tallest minaret at 210 metres (689 ft). Completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau under the guidance of King Hassan II and built by Moroccan artisans from all over the kingdom.
Can you enter mosques in Morocco?
There are no active mosques in Morocco that non muslims are allowed free access to. You can visit the courtyard of the ones mentioned but cannot enter the area where Muslims pray.
How many mosques are there in Morocco?
41,755 mosques
According to the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in 2016, there are around 41,755 mosques in Morocco, of which 16,489 are Jama Masjids, and 10,061 are specifically designated as culturally significant.
Who built Hassan 2 mosque?
Michel Pinseau
Hassan II Mosque/Architects
It was designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau who had lived in Morocco, and was constructed by the civil engineering group Bouygues. Work commenced on July 12, 1986, and was conducted over a seven-year period. Construction was scheduled to be completed in 1989 ready for Hassan II’s 60th birthday.
Where is the largest mosque in Casablanca Morocco?
Location within Casablanca. The Hassan II Mosque (Arabic: مسجد الحسن الثاني, French: Grande Mosquée Hassan II) is a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the largest mosque in Africa, and the 5th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s tallest minaret at 210 metres (689 ft).
What makes Casablanca’s Al-Aqsa Mosque so special?
The walls are of hand-crafted marble and the roof is retractable. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather together for prayer: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside ground. The mosque is located at Bd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah in Casablanca.
How long did it take to build the Hassan II palace?
It was designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau who had lived in Morocco, and was constructed by the civil engineering group Bouygues. Work commenced on July 12, 1986, and was conducted over a seven-year period. Construction was scheduled to be completed in 1989 ready for Hassan II’s 60th birthday.
How much does it cost to build a mosque in Morocco?
Construction costs, estimated to be about 585 million euro, were an issue of debate in Morocco, a lower mid-income country. While Hassan wished to build a mosque which would be second in size only to the mosque at Mecca, the government lacked funds for such a grand project.