On our last day in Morocco, we toured the Hassan II Mosque (مسجد الحسن الثاني) built directly on the Atlantic Ocean in Casablanca. This magnificent structure, finished in 1993, took over seven years to complete, is the largest mosque in the country and claims the largest minaret in the world towering 689 feet; its spotlight shines towards Mecca. I could actually see the Mosque from my hotel window the first day we arrived in the city. From a distance, I felt its impact wondering what it was, if we were going to visit. It took my breath away from afar and when I stood before it, my mouth gapped open as I craned my neck 1) to take a picture of the tower and 2) in absolute awe.
I marveled at the size of the space when I stepped past the giant front door and removed my shoes, wanted to run my hands over the beautifully carved woods that lined the staircases, did just that to the gorgeous mosaic walls and fountains, felt the cool marble floor and soft carpets beneath my bare feet (I decided not to put on the cotton booties we were given just as I had done when we visited the mosque in Egypt), wanted to be immersed in the pool of water, and gazed at the intricate windows and elaborate chandeliers high above -- it was hard to take it all in. The mosque even has a sliding roof!
Overwhelmed, I decided to look up...
This is decidedly my favorite picture...
Something divine is up no matter what the faith so...
keep your peepers open!®
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