مسجد المدينة

“Did you hear about the mosque that shares its neighborhood with a church and a synagogue?” I ask, as we stand before the Ould el-Hamra Mosque. It’s a testament to Casablanca’s spirit of tolerance, where the Abrahamic faiths coexist within a mere 250 square meters in the heart of the medina. The Ould el-Hamra Mosque isn’t as grand as the Hassan II Mosque, but it holds a unique charm and historical significance. Commissioned by Sultan Muhammad III bin Abdellah in 1789, the Ould el-Hamra Mosque was part of his vision to revitalize Casablanca. The city, like others such as Essaouira, Marrakesh, and Rabat, was recovering from the devastating earthquake of 1755. The sultan, known as the “architect of modern Morocco”, saw the mosque as a symbol of renewal and resilience. Imagine Casablanca then, a bustling port city rising from the ruins, a place where cultures and faiths intertwined. The Ould el-Hamra Mosque, with its traditional Maghrebi architecture, became a focal point for the Muslim community. Its prayer hall, capable of accommodating 1,500 worshippers, resonated with the sounds of prayer and devotion. Over the centuries, the Ould el-Hamra Mosque has stood as a silent witness to Casablanca’s transformation. It saw renovations under Sultan Hassan I in 1892 and more recently, extensive restoration work supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. King Mohammed VI himself inaugurated the restored mosque in 2016. As you gaze upon its simple yet elegant facade, remember that this mosque represents more than just a place of worship. It symbolizes Casablanca’s rich history, its spirit of tolerance, and the enduring power of faith in a vibrant, ever-changing city.