Hassan II Mosque

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Lore & Background

The mosque was commissioned by King Hassan II to be the most ambitious structure ever built in Morocco. During his birthday celebrations in 1980, he stated: 'I wish Casablanca to be endowed with a large, fine building of which it can be proud until the end of time ... I want to build this mosque on the water, because God's throne is on the water.' Work commenced on July 12, 1986, and was conducted over a seven-year period. During the most intense period of construction, 1,400 men worked during the day and another 1,100 during the night. 10,000 artists and craftsmen participated in building and beautifying the mosque. The formal inauguration was on 30 August 1993, the eve of the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad's birth. The building is built partially on land and partially over the ocean, on a platform linking a natural rock outcrop reclaimed from the sea where the Orthlieb Pool had been located. Two large breakwaters protect it from waves up to 10 metres (33 ft) high. The minaret is 60 stories high, topped by a laser directed toward Mecca. The official website states that 3,300 Moroccan craftsmen contributed, including 854 qualified maâlems in carpentry, 80 in plasterwork, and 100 in zellige.

Reader's Guide

The Hassan II Mosque is a major religious and architectural site in Morocco. Its design blends Islamic architecture and Moroccan elements, reflecting Moorish influences. The basilican plan differs from the common T-shaped plan in North Africa. The prayer hall is 200 metres (660 ft) long and 100 metres (330 ft) wide, with three naves perpendicular to the qibla wall. The central nave is 40 metres (130 ft) high, and side naves are 27 metres (89 ft) high. The hall can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside, with another 80,000 on the outside ground. Construction costs were estimated at about 585 million euros, financed largely by public subscription—12 million people donated, with the smallest contribution being 5 DH. The complex includes a madrasa, hammams, a museum, conference halls, and a library said to be the 'most comprehensive in the Islamic world.' The 41 fountains in the courtyard are well decorated. The garden is a popular location for family picnics. The mosque remains a symbol of Moroccan craftsmanship, with all granite, plaster, marble, and wood extracted from around Morocco, except some Italian white granite columns and 56 glass chandeliers.

Did You Know?

• The minaret is 60 stories high and topped by a laser directed toward Mecca.
• The mosque is built partially on land and partially over the Atlantic Ocean, on a platform where the Orthlieb Pool once stood.
• Construction involved up to 1,400 workers by day and 1,100 by night, with 10,000 artists and craftsmen participating.
• The smallest donation from the public was 5 DH, with 12 million people contributing to the construction costs.
• The walls are made of handcrafted marble, and the roof is retractable.