Ah, this is fabulous Arabic architecture. Even though this is not an old mosque, but just a remake, however, as always, it amazes with its elegance.
The architecture of mosques in Islamic countries was formed in accordance with climatic conditions, as well as under the influence of the traditions and cultural characteristics of the inhabitants of each country. In fact, mosques have largely borrowed their architectural features from the indigenous civilization of each region. In the beginning, Muslims borrowed elements from various architectural styles such as Syriac, Egyptian and Iranian and used them in the architecture of their buildings. However, after some time, Muslim artists began to re-evaluate the elements and styles that they adopted from other cultures. As a result, they excluded everything that was alien to them and did not harmonize with their nature and religious needs, and set about creating a special architectural style for mosques, consonant with their essence and religious teachings. Thus, at the beginning of the 2nd century according to the lunar Hijri (9th century according to the European calendar), a special style was formed in Islamic art, which was more and more improved and eventually led to the creation of beautiful works. islamic architecture, several of which we have talked about in our previous broadcasts.
One of the most important features of Islamic architecture, especially in the construction of mosques, is the presence of terraces and galleries, as well as the arched shape of the upper part of doors, entrances and roofs. This bend is predominantly observed in domes, niches, arches and terraces.
Most of the colors used in mosque architecture are light, with dark colors used instead of shadows. Blue, green, gold, yellow and red are widely used in Islamic art. Blue and green are cold and contrasting colors that evoke a feeling of infinity in a person.
Another feature of Islamic architecture is the use of the art of ornamentation in order to combine durability with beauty and grace in the construction of mosques. Muslim artists showed interest primarily in the refined and elegant forms of art. They used all materials - wood, iron, brick, plaster, tiles, ceramic tiles and glass - in order to give their architectural forms objectivity. The famous American historian Will Durant, in his book "The History of Civilization", in the chapter on Islamic civilization, writes about the beauty of Islamic art used in the construction of mosques: "The beautiful and varied ornamentation that fills the interior of mosques is actually used in all elements that make up the architecture of mosques.Mosaics and inlays of mother-of-pearl tiles for the floors of mosques and decorations of mihrabs and walls, colored glass for windows, as well as precious carpets for halls are necessary attributes and decorations used in mosques.Muslims decorated the lower parts of the walls or the entire wall with beautiful colored marble and the arches and niches were painted. The minbar was built of wood. It was decorated with carvings. Next to the minbar stood a stool, on which they placed one copy of the Koran, which in turn was an example of cuneiform writing and the elegance of Islamic art. The direction to the Kaaba was indicated by a niche in the inner The niche was decorated with tiles and mosaics, images of flowers and flower bushes, bas-reliefs and beautiful scenes using inlay, plaster molding, marble and ceramics.
On the western coast of Morocco is the city of Casablanca, one of the largest cities in this African country, which is its financial and economic center. At various times the city was under the control of the most different peoples that left its mark on urban architecture.
In 1907, when Morocco became a French colony, Casablanca began to develop rapidly and in a few years turned into an important port and shopping mall. From that moment on, the construction of many different objects began in the city, but the most famous building in the city was built a little later.
Clickable 3000 px
The Hassan II Mosque is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The construction of the mosque began in 1980 and lasted 13 years. The building of the mosque is built in such a way that when the waves of the ocean rise up (at high tide), it seems that half of the mosque rests on the waves, like a ship. When the waves of the Atlantic Ocean hit the walls of the mosque, reaching 10 meters, the worshipers experience the feeling that this grandiose mosque is floating on the waves.
The Hassan II Mosque was built on an area of 9 hectares. In addition to religious significance, the mosque is cultural center. The mosque houses a madrasah for teaching the Koran, a library and a national museum. The hall of the mosque can accommodate more than 20,000 worshipers. An additional 80,000 worshipers can fit on the esplanade, the centerpiece of a retractable roof that turns the prayer hall into a magnificent terrace in three minutes.
“The throne of Allah rests on water,” said King Hassan II of Morocco, announcing in 1980 his intention to build the largest mosque in the world. “And so we will also build a new mosque on the water.” The Hassan II Mosque, built in the largest Moroccan city of Casablanca, really stands on the water, or rather, above the water. This huge structure is erected on a platform protruding into the sea, and through the glass floor of the mosque you can see the sea waves.
The height of the minaret of the Hassan II Mosque is 200 meters. In its upper part there is a laser spotlight that creates a green light line 30 km long in the sky. towards the Sacred Mosque in Mecca.
The facade of the mosque is lined with white and cream colored stone. The roof of the mosque is lined with green granite. The prayer hall is decorated with 78 pink granite columns. The floors are tiled in golden marble and green onyx. The decor of the mosque is admirable: frescoes, mosaics, woodcarving and painting, stucco, intricate patterns, Arabic script, magnificence of colors. Hassan II Mosque has 2500 columns. Hundreds of workers and artists worked around the clock to build the mosque.
But the most famous architectural landmark of Casablanca is undoubtedly the Hassan II Mosque. This is the most grandiose and magnificent Muslim temple built in the 20th century.
Even from afar, the mosque impresses simply with its size - the height of its minaret is 200 meters. The Hassan II Mosque is recognized as the tallest religious building in the world: it is 30 meters higher than the pyramid of Cheops and 40 meters higher than St. Peter's Cathedral. Non-Muslims are allowed inside the Hassan II mosque, and anyone can go inside the insanely beautiful prayer hall, decorated with 78 pink granite columns. The mosque is beautifully and intricately decorated with frescoes, mosaics, and stucco. You can see intricate patterns and wood painting. The floor is covered with slabs, whimsically made of golden marble and green onyx. The prayer hall can accommodate 25 thousand believers. And in case there are more people who want to pray to Allah than the mosque can accommodate, the central part of the roof can be moved apart, and up to 80,000 more believers can pray in the square near the mosque.
Artisans and laborers worked around the clock, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to complete the masterpiece, and funds were raised from "donations" from the Moroccan people. The government literally went door-to-door 'requesting economic support'. This drew some international criticism, but overall, local Moroccans do not seem offended by either the fundraising tactics or the magnitude of the investment.
The massive mosque of Hassan II can accommodate up to 120,000 worshipers: 20,000 inside, and another 100,000 outside. On a typical Friday dinner prayer, you can expect up to 18,000 people. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the mosque was close to capacity.
Clickable 1440 px
The mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinso. Its appearance embodied the features of the best buildings of medieval Arab-Spanish architecture known throughout the world - the Giralda in Seville, the Umayyad mosque in Damascus, the Koutoubiyya mosque in Marrakesh. The Hassan II Mosque has become the pride of the Moroccans. Actually, it was conceived as a monument to the unity of the country, solidarity and creative genius of the Moroccan people. Funds for its construction were collected throughout the country. The total cost of the project was $800 million. Marble was brought from the quarries of Agadir, granite from Tafrut. Only huge 50-ton chandeliers for the central prayer hall were ordered in Venice (Italy).
Morocco has been famous for its artisans since the Middle Ages, and many ancient crafts are not forgotten here to this day. About 2.5 thousand of the best craftsmen of the country - masons, mosaicists, stone and wood carvers - came from all over the country to build the mosque. In total, 35 thousand people worked daily on the construction of the temple.
The Hassan Mosque has become a real masterpiece of modern Moroccan art. She is compared with precious stone, with "the largest canvas ever in the possession of Moroccan artists". The huge building both inside and outside literally shimmers from a bizarre play of light and shadow. Colored marble, polished stone, mosaics, the finest calligraphic Arabic inscriptions, carvings, ornamental paintings - everything traditional ways decorations found their most complete embodiment in the Hassan Mosque, expressed in the language of modern art. At the same time, traditions here are vividly intertwined with modern technological achievements: for example, at night a laser beam appears on top of the minaret, indicating the direction to Mecca. By the way, the minaret of the Hassan II mosque is the highest in the world: its height is 200 m. The dimensions of the mosque itself are: 183 m long, 91.5 m wide, 54.9 m high. people, another 80 thousand people can be accommodated in the courtyard. The huge ensemble also includes a madrasah, a library, a museum, an underground parking lot for a thousand cars and a stable for 50 horses.
Statistics tell us that most of the raw materials for building the mosque came from Morocco. This includes cedar wood from the Atlas Mountains, which has been intricately carved, and beautiful marble carefully selected from southern Morocco. It can also be noted that some modern features mosques like an automated retractable roof that opens frequently to bring fresh air into the King Hassan mosque and electric doors make it easy to open and close huge titanium doors that weigh an astonishing ten tons. A crew of 300 people is committed to the maintenance and upkeep of the mosque on a daily basis.
Clickable 4000 px
The Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and the fifth largest in the world. Its minaret is the largest in the world, measuring a staggering 689 feet, and boasts a laser beam at its top, pointing the way to Mecca.
Clickable 3000 px
Clickable 3000 px
In front of the mosque at night
Clickable 3000 px
Clickable 3000 px
Clickable 3000 px
The Hassan II Mosque is located in Casablanca (Morocco). It is the largest not only in the country, but also in Africa and the 7th among the largest mosques in the world, accommodating more than 5 thousand worshipers. But the minaret is the highest on the planet. Its height is 210 meters.
This majestic building stands on a cape and is blown by the winds of the Atlantic Ocean. But the cape - the concept is not entirely accurate. Back in 1980, King Hassan II declared that the throne of Allah stands on water. Therefore, the huge building structure rests on a platform that protrudes into the sea. The floor in the mosque is glass, and through it you can clearly see the sea waves beating on the rocky shore.
Granite walls are lined with marble. The huge chandeliers hanging in the prayer hall were made by the masters of Venice. The length of the mosque is 183 meters. The width reaches 92 meters. The height is 55 meters. The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 people. There is also a courtyard that can accommodate 80,000 worshipers. In total, this building is designed for 105 thousand believers. There is an underground car park for 1000 cars. A stable for 70 horses adjoins the main building.
Hassan II Mosque at night
Geographic data
The man-made creation is located between the sea harbor and the El Hank lighthouse. From the nearest railway station 20 minutes walk. To protect the building from ocean waves (there are up to 10 meters high), 2 breakwaters were built. There is no city noise and pollution in this place, so the environment meets the best standards.
Surrounded by a magnificent garden. Fountains in the courtyard are pleasing to the eye. Their number is 41. The prayer complex has a madrasah (Islamic school), a hammam (baths), a historical museum, a conference hall and a library. It is considered the most complete in the Islamic world.
Construction history
The majestic prayer complex was built on the initiative of King Hassan II of Morocco. He announced the future construction in 1980. The architectural project was developed and implemented by the French architect Michel Pinseau, who lived in Morocco.
Work began on July 12, 1986. It was planned to complete construction in 1989 by the 60th anniversary of the king. Therefore, at first everyone worked for days. However, it soon became clear that such a short period was clearly unrealistic. In total, the work lasted 7 years, and the grand opening took place on August 30, 1993. This is just before the next anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad.
Project cost
The cost of the project amounted to 585 million euros. But the state treasury could not allocate such an amount. Therefore, money was collected throughout the country by informing people of bank accounts. Donations were made by 12 million people. Each of them received a receipt and a certificate.
The smallest contribution was 5 dirhams. The amount of the largest contribution is unknown. In addition, enterprises and other Arab countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) also donated. France and Spain provided construction loans. So we can say that the mosque of Hassan II was built by the whole world.
Architecture
The prayer complex is made of granite, plaster, marble, wood and other materials, which were mainly supplied from different parts of Morocco. White granite columns and 56 glass chandeliers were brought from Italy alone.
6 thousand artisans worked on the construction. For 5 years they created beautiful mosaics, marble floors and columns, sculptural plaster moldings, carved and painted wooden ceilings. Outside, the mosque was finished with bronze, titanium, granite and decorated with pale blue marble masonry.
All load-bearing structures are made of monolithic reinforced concrete, and artistic decorations are made in the style of traditional Moroccan design. The building is notable for its columns, horseshoe arches, and decorated ceilings. The dome and vaults visually make the interior of the mosque even larger.
The public bath is located in the basement and has a separate entrance. The acoustic system is carefully thought over and executed. It seems that the prophet Mohammed was pleased with this modern masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
Morocco
Hassan II Mosque
“The throne of Allah rests on water,” said King Hassan II of Morocco, announcing in 1980 his intention to build the largest mosque in the world. “And so we will also build a new mosque on the water.” The Hassan II Mosque, built in the largest Moroccan city of Casablanca, really stands on the water, or rather, above the water. This huge structure is erected on a platform protruding into the sea, and through the glass floor of the mosque you can see the sea waves rolling below.
The building of the mosque is built in such a way that when the waves of the ocean rise up (at high tide), it seems that half of the mosque rests on the waves, like a ship. When the waves of the Atlantic Ocean hit the walls of the mosque, reaching 10 meters, the worshipers experience the feeling that this grandiose mosque is floating on the waves.
The construction of the mosque lasted thirteen years, from 1980 to 1993. It became only the second largest in the world, but in terms of its architectural and artistic merits, it undoubtedly ranks first among the great buildings of the 2nd half of the 20th century.
The mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinso. Its appearance embodies the features of the best buildings of medieval Arab-Spanish architecture known throughout the world: the Giralda in Seville, the Umayyad mosque in Damascus, the Koutoubiyya mosque in Marrakech. The Hassan II Mosque has become the pride of the Moroccans. Actually, it was conceived as a monument to the unity of the country, solidarity and creative genius of the Moroccan people. Funds for its construction were collected throughout the country. The total cost of the project was $800 million. Marble was brought from the quarries of Agadir, granite from Tafrut. Only huge 50-ton chandeliers for the central prayer hall were ordered in Venice (Italy).
Even from afar, the mosque impresses simply with its size - the height of its minaret is 200 meters. The Hassan II Mosque is recognized as the tallest religious building in the world: it is 30 meters higher than the pyramid of Cheops and 40 meters higher than St. Peter's Cathedral. Not only Muslims are allowed inside the Hassan II mosque, and anyone can go inside the insanely beautiful prayer hall, decorated with 78 pink granite columns.
The mosque is beautifully and intricately decorated with frescoes, mosaics, and stucco. You can see intricate patterns and wood painting. The floor is covered with slabs, whimsically made of golden marble and green onyx. The prayer hall can accommodate 25 thousand believers. And in case there are more people who want to pray to Allah than the mosque can accommodate, the central part of the roof can be moved apart, and up to 80,000 more believers can pray in the square near the mosque.
Morocco has been famous for its artisans since the Middle Ages, and many ancient crafts are not forgotten here to this day. About two and a half thousand of the best masters of the country came to the construction of the mosque from all over the country - masons, mosaicists, stone and wood carvers. In total, 35 thousand people worked daily on the construction of the temple.
The Hassan Mosque has become a real masterpiece of modern Moroccan art. It has been compared to a precious stone, "the largest canvas that has ever come into the possession of Moroccan artists." The huge building both inside and outside literally shimmers with a bizarre play of light and shadow, filling numerous niches and arches, corners and voids. Colored marble, polished stone, mosaics, the finest calligraphic script of Arabic inscriptions, carvings, ornamental paintings - all traditional methods of decoration found their fullest embodiment in the Hassan Mosque, expressed in the language of modern art.
Ceiling in the Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher
Interior of the Hassan II Mosque. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher
At the same time, traditions here are vividly intertwined with modern technological achievements: for example, at night a laser beam appears on top of the minaret, indicating the direction to Mecca.
By the way, the minaret of the Hassan II mosque is the highest in the world: its height is 200 m. The dimensions of the mosque itself are: 183 m long, 91.5 m wide, 54.9 m high. The prayer hall is designed for 20 thousand people , another 80 thousand people can be accommodated in the courtyard. The huge ensemble also includes a madrasah, a library, a museum, an underground parking lot for a thousand cars and a stable for 50 horses.
A worker at the Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher
The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque is 210 m (689 ft) high. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher
A Muslim at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo by [email protected] e una combattente!
The grand opening of the mosque took place on August 30, 1993. Today, this majestic, rising “from sea to sky” temple has become a true decoration of Casablanca.
Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. Photo by Peter Ashton aka peamasher
The Great Mosque of Hassan II (arab. مسجد الحسن الثاني) - a mosque located in the city of Casablanca, is the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in the world and is considered the 3rd largest mosque after the forbidden mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The structure is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the view of which opens from a giant glass hall with a capacity of 25,000 believers. Another 80,000 people can pray in the square adjacent to the mosque. Thus, the total capacity is 105,000 believers. The height of the only minaret is 210 meters. The design was developed by the French architect Michel Pinsot, who, remarkably, was not a Muslim. The mosque was built under the rule of King Hassan II of Morocco. Construction began on July 12, 1986 and was completed in 1989 on the 60th birthday of the king himself. However, the building did not open until August 30, 1993. 2,500 builders, 10,000 artists and other decorators were involved in the work. All building materials were taken from the regions of Morocco, and only white granite for the columns and 50-ton glass chandeliers were brought from Italy. Six thousand traditional Moroccan artisans spent five years creating mosaics, marble floors, stone columns and other decorations for the mosque. The building of the mosque is located on an area equal to 9 hectares. Inside the prayer hall, 78 columns of pink granite were erected, the floors are covered with slabs of golden marble and green onyx. The roof is covered with bright emerald tiles. During the construction of this grandiose structure, technological innovations were applied in order to adapt it to different weather conditions. For example, the floors are heated, the roof can be moved apart, and the building itself is earthquake-resistant. At the top of the minaret, there is a laser spotlight that creates a 30 km green light line in the sky towards the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. Half of the area of the mosque is located above the Atlantic Ocean. According to the chief architect - Michel Pinso, he was inspired by the words from the Koran: "The throne of Allah is on the water." He used this idea when designing the building. Indeed, the building of the mosque is conceived in such a way that at high tide, the worshipers get the impression that the mosque is floating on the waves like a ship. This effect increases as the height of the waves increases. The cost of construction was equal to 800 million dollars, and all the money was collected through donations. The Great Hassan Mosque is the tallest religious building in the world. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the few religious buildings in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter.
Mosque of Hassan II (Morocco) - description, history, location. The exact address, phone, website. Reviews of tourists, photos and videos.
- Hot tours in Marocco
- Tours for the New Year Worldwide
Previous photo Next photo
The incredible mosque, bearing the name of King Hassan II, seems to be just about ready to soar from the cliff over the Atlantic and ascend into the heavenly heights. The main attraction of Casablanca and one of the most remarkable mosques in the world boasts a 210-meter minaret, location just above the stormy Atlantic Ocean and a lot of ultra-modern chips, such as: a retractable roof, a heated floor and a laser beam that hits directly towards Mecca. With a total number of people praying at the same time, exceeding 100 thousand people, the Hassan II mosque is considered the third largest in the world. In short, this building is a must see!
A bit of history
The first stone in the foundation of the mosque was laid by King Hassan II of Morocco himself. It happened in 1986, and three years later the monumental building was completed. The architect of the mosque was the Frenchman Michel Pinso. However, it was still a long way before the opening of the mosque for believers: finishing work was carried out for almost four years. Tens of thousands of designers and craftsmen worked on the interiors: they laid out mosaics, decorated the halls with wood carvings, carved stone columns, laid marble floors. The mosque opened to the public in 1993 and immediately became one of the wonders of the Muslim world.
A powerful laser spotlight in its upper tier of the mosque at night shines in the direction of Mecca - the beam pierces the space for 30 km.
What to see
The Hassan II Mosque is a large-scale architectural complex covering 9 hectares, in which not only a religious building, but also a vast adjacent territory deserve attention. Half of the complex is located literally above the Atlantic Ocean - on a platform supported by pylons. At high tide, the water comes level with the base of the platform, and the illusion is created that the mosque is rushing on the waves.
In the courtyard of the mosque - a riot of colors and the splendor of finishing materials. Pay attention to 78 columns of pink granite and the floor, covered with the correct alternation of golden marble and emerald onyx slabs. The main dome of the mosque is also magnificent - it is lined with bright green tiles. The minaret rose to a height of 210 meters - this is a world record. A powerful laser spotlight in its upper tier at night shines towards Mecca - the beam pierces the space for 30 km.
The roof of the mosque can be moved apart in good weather or remain assembled, protecting worshipers from rain and wind. The floors in the prayer hall of the mosque are heated, and the building itself was built in strict accordance with the canons of earthquake resistance. By the way, 25,000 Muslims can pray in the prayer hall at the same time.
Pay Special attention on crystal chandeliers. Each weighs 50 tons, and this is the only mosque decoration brought from abroad - from Italy.
Practical Information
Address: Casablanca Cornich.
Rules for visiting: the mosque, with the exception of the prayer hall, is open to non-Muslims. Tours are held daily, except Friday, at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00; on Fridays - at 9:00, 10:00 and 14:00. Cost - 12 EUR. A visit to the mosque is possible only as part of a tour with a guide; external beauties can be admired for free.
Prices on the page are for September 2018.
In 1980, King Hassan II of Morocco announced the construction of the largest mosque in the world. Hassan II Mosque, was built in major city Casablanca and it stands right on the water, or rather on a platform located in the sea. Through the strong glass floor of the mosque, you can admire the waves of the sea.
The abode of Allah stands on the water
The construction of the mosque lasted 13 years, despite this, it became the second largest in the world. However, its majestic architecture ranked first among all the great structures of the 20th century. The French architect Michel Pinso worked on the creation of the project, who was able to harmoniously combine four architectural structures in the guise of one mosque - the Giralda in Seville, the Koutoubiyya mosque in Marrakech, the Umayyad mosque in Damascus.
She is the real pride of the Moroccan people. Money for the construction of this miracle of architecture was collected throughout the country. The project cost was more than $800 million. Building materials and interior items were brought from all over the world: granite was brought from Tafrut, marble was brought from Agadir, and multi-ton chandeliers for the prayer hall were made in Venice.
Created by the Almighty
Since the Middle Ages, Morocco has been known for its craftsmen, who carefully preserve their craft traditions to this day. The best masons, stone and wood carvers, mosaicists and many others, almost 2.5 thousand people, were invited to finish the mosque. In total, 35,000 workers took part in the construction of the mosque every day.
The building has become a vivid example and a real masterpiece of Moroccan architectural art. It is compared with a pearl, which, once in the hands of a jeweler, only becomes more expensive and more elegant. The impressive building plays in the rays of the sun, fancifully shimmering and changing shades. Polished stone, rich colored marble, mosaics, inscriptions in the finest Arabic script, luxurious paintings, carvings - all the traditions of Arab and Moroccan architecture are harmoniously woven into the building.
Despite the fact that the building is intended for religious services, modern technologies have also found their perfect use here, for example, at night a laser beam is turned on at the very top of the minaret, which shows the direction to Mecca. The minaret of the mosque is the highest in the world, its height is 200 meters, and the prayer hall can accommodate more than 20 thousand people. The spacious courtyard is also designed for 80,000 people. The mosque complex includes a madrasah, a museum, a library, a stable for 50 horses and an underground parking lot for 1000 cars.
