The Second biggest and the tallest

I find it humorous when a building is discussed based on where it ranks as the biggest or tallest or some other -est. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the largest mosque in Africa, 5th largest in the world, with the tallest minaret (689 ft.) over a 22 acre site that is right up against the Atlantic ocean. It is modern, completed in 1993 with 1/3 of the funds coming from the king and the rest a tax on every citizen of Morocco, Muslim or not. It is topped by a laser beam that shines out over the sea in the direction of Mecca. It can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers inside and outside.

Since the mosque is built out over the ocean on piers it is quieter than the city that surrounds it and the air and wind give it a sense of cleansing.

Originally conceived as a mausoleum to the departed king, it became a site to honor his dual role as political and religious leader of the country. The architect was Michel Pinseau a Frenchman who had lived in Morocco. It was supposed to be ready for Hassan II's 60th birthday.

The women's section can accommodate 10,000 women. The green bags you see everyone carrying are their shoes, as it's mandatory to remove ones shoes when entering a mosque. This is a functioning mosque with tours only allowed between the 5 times a day people are there engaged in prayer. For those of you who have already completed the week looking at Islamic art, you will recognize the style of the wood working, arches, etc.

Both natural and artificial light enter this vast space. The column capitals are carved plaster. The plaster was put into place and then carved. Over 10,000 craftsmen worked on this project. The materials mostly come from Morocco itself with some marble from Italy.

Ceiling is carved and painted cedar and chandeliers are from Venice (Murano). Notice the rhythmic shapes in the columns and arches.

They were lowering the chandeliers when we were there to clean and replace bulbs. You can get an idea of how complex this whole operation is.

The ceiling opens to the sky when the weather is good and during the month of Ramadan. You can see the gap in the middle. It takes 3 minutes to open and 2 minutes to close.

Detail of the column capitals showing Spanish (Moorish) influence, Roman columns, and especially the basilica plan that we saw in Roman government buildings and early Christian churches.

Here we are on the ground floor of the minaret (60 stories above us) with an elevator to the top. From here one descends to the basement level under the prayer hall where the washing fountains are. Muslims wash before prayer and there are separate facilities for men and women.

Ceiling dome of the ground floor of minaret, plaster and tile.

Close up of some of the muqarna decorative elements in the vaulted ceiling. This is common in Spanish Moorish architecture as well as Islamic architecture.

Light fixtures made in Marrakesh. One light fixture over each washing fountain.

Notice the water fixtures coming out of the wall. This type of mosaic tile is called zeliij mosaic. This type of mosaic was introduced from al Andalus (Moorish Spain) in the 11th century.

One of many outdoor zeliij mosaics, some with fountains, others wall niches for a little rest.