SOMBER MORNING IN RABAT, THE HASSAN MOSQUEMay 15 '02 (Updated May 09 '05) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line A place for some quiet reflection. One doesn't really associate Morocco with rain. Sand heat, and mountains are what usually spring to mind when someone mentions this North African country, not a wet driving drizzle. It was raining my first morning in Rabat, the capital though. Heavy sheets of rain coming down, and a stiff wind blowing in from the Atlantic. It seemed appropriate somehow as I was going to visit a tomb and a place of worship. Located on hill overlooking the Oued Bou Regreg, the river that separates Rabat from the town of Sale is the final resting place of one of Morocco's most influential modern leaders. Mohammed V was instrumental in helping modern Morocco obtain its independence from Spain. during his reign from 1956 until his death in 1961 he laid the groundwork to remake Morocco into a modern nation. He instituted a series of social reforms across the country. New public works projects were commenced, and new schools and universities opened. His Mausoleum at first seems simple, especially when compared to some of the more elaborate affairs one sees in Meknes, and Fez, and Marrakech. Closer examination reveals it a work of art, the wall made in brilliant polished marble covered with intricate design work. Non Muslims are permitted entry, and one passes through portals guarded by traditionally garbed soldiers. Inside, one finds themselves on a balcony that allows a view of the white onyx tomb bellow. Discretely in one corner, an old man continually reads aloud passages form the Koran. Like the tomb of another great Moroccan ruler, Sultan Moulay Ismail in Meknes, this is a place where people come regularly to pay homage. it is an important shrine. Exiting the mausoleum, one notices a obelisk to the north. Below it is a massive square with dozens of pillars in various stages of construction. it almost resembles some immense strategy board game abandoned by giants. This is the remains of the Hassan Mosque, an uncompleted structure that may have been the largest mosque in the Muslim world had it been completed. The mosque was envisioned by El Mansour another great Moroccan ruler in the twelfth century. construction was abandoned after his death in 1199. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed most of the uncompleted structure and only ruins remain now. The obelisk was the Minaret, the tower from which the faithful would have been called to prayer. At present it stands over 50 metres, but had it been completed would have been over 80 metres, quite an accomplishment for the period. The pillars would have supported the roof of a structure designed to accommodate over 20,000 people. This was much more than the population of Rabat at the time. As I leave the mausoleum and stroll about the remains of the mosque, the rain slowly begins to cease. However the few tourists that have braved the elements this day are still solemn and quiet. Somehow that seems appropriate in this place. Other Articles on Morocco Fast Crossing to Morocco http://www.epinions.com/content_1994301572 A Moroccan Plumbing Primer http://www.epinions.com/content_2613551236 The Leather Souks of Fez http://www.epinions.com/content_2560663684 Buying Carpets in Fez http://www.epinions.com/content_2573705348 Hotel Sofia Fez http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-386B-111A9F02-3956BA14-prod5 Meknes http://www.epinions.com/content_2359402628 A Little Encounter in the Djemaa El Fna Marrakech http://www.epinions.com/content_1838915716 Berber Fantasy Night http://www.epinions.com/content_2643239044 A Close Shave in the Djemaa El Fna Marrakech http://www.epinions.com/content_2648088708 Hotel Atlas Marrakech http://www.epinions.com/content_59160301188 The Great Marrakech Moped Incident http://www.epinions.com/content_2601951364 Ricks Bar Casablanca http://www.epinions.com/content_57939627652 Hassan II Mosque Casablanca http://www.epinions.com/content_2656411780 Rabat http://www.epinions.com/content_2271387780 Hotel Chellah Rabat http://www.epinions.com/content_59159449220 Hotel Chellah Lobby BarRabat http://www.epinions.com/content_1840554116 Late Night Taxi Tour of Rabat http://www.epinions.com/content_2596053124 Soluzar Hotel Tangier http://www.epinions.com/content_59157679748  |
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