Laser light once guided sailors and travelers toward Mecca. Now imagine it emanating from the minaret of the Casablanca mosque. This is the Mosqu\u00e9e kasbat amine 1. Let me tell you about this incredible structure.
The Casablanca mosque is not just any mosque. It is the largest in Africa. It is also the fifth largest in the world. Its minaret stands at a staggering 210 metres or 689 feet. That makes it the world’s tallest minaret.
Completed in 1993, the Casablanca mosque was designed by Michel Pinseau. Bouygues handled the construction. The Casablanca mosque’s minaret soars 60 stories high. At its peak, a laser beam points towards Mecca.
The Casablanca mosque is located on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Worshippers can pray over the sea here. The walls are made of hand-crafted marble. The Casablanca mosque features a retractable roof. It can accommodate 105000 worshippers. 25000 can fit inside the Casablanca mosque hall. Another 80000 can gather on the mosque’s grounds.
Construction of the Casablanca mosque was expensive. It cost around 585 million euro. Much of the funding came from public donations. Twelve million people contributed. Each donor received a receipt and certificate. The smallest donation was 5 DH. Besides public and business donations, Arab countries helped. Western countries also provided construction loans, which Morocco repaid.
The Casablanca mosque’s minaret is the second tallest in the world. It has a laser beam at the top. It operates electronically in the evening. The beam is oriented towards Mecca. It has a range of 30 kilometers. The minaret enhances the visual alignment of the boulevard. It is square. It thrusts skyward.
Around the Casablanca mosque, there are other structures. A madrasa or Islamic school is located nearby. There are also hammams or bathhouses. A museum on Moroccan history is present. Conference halls provide space for meetings. A very large library is said to be the most comprehensive in the Islamic world. The 41 fountains in the Casablanca mosque’s courtyard are well decorated. The garden is well-tended. It is a popular spot for family picnics. The traditionally designed madrasa covers 4840 square metres. It includes the basement. Two stories high, it is constructed in a semi-circular shape. It abuts the qibla wall and the mihrab section.
When you visit the Casablanca mosque, remember it is a place of worship. It is a place of meditation. It is a place of prayer. Please respect the rules to ensure smooth visits for everyone. You can admire traditional Moroccan arts in all its glory here. Look for the paintings. Appreciate the plastering. Observe the woodwork. Admire the marble and copper.
Visiting the Casablanca mosque offers a historical journey. It is divided into three steps, though I don’t have those details for you today. Remember the laser beam that points towards Mecca. It is a beacon of faith. It is a symbol of Moroccan artistry.