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    Posted January 2, 2012 by
    Jazzmaster86
    Location
    Queisdersbach, Germany
    Assignment
    Assignment
    This iReport is part of an assignment:
    Morocco: From surf to Sahara

    Casablanca--Serious Growth

     
    Casablanca—Serious Growth

    Travel Log—December 2011, arriving at the port of Casablanca, Morocco.

    Cruising from on the Atlantic into the port of Casablanca the mosque was visible from a distance. We saw the mosque from several nautical miles away. It was breathtaking beautiful even through a misty haze of ocean spray and early morning duskiness.

    Supporting cranes of all colors and size dotted the skyline indicating what we didn’t know was happening—growth for Casablanca.

    The green and white colors stood out against the other colors of the surrounding smaller buildings. The roof looked like a green tortoise shell. The Hassan II Mosque can be interpreted as an eternal symbol of love from a son to a father—what better way to remember the beloved passed of a family member.

    Upon our arrival to the mosque we tilted our heads back further and further to see all of the mosque; it stands proud and tall. Built for all to enjoy and gather at.

    The size alone is intimidating. It is huge and has an estimated capacity of accommodating 125,000 worshippers—those heeding the call to prayer.

    On the outside of the mosque there were many architectural treats to take in. The vast number of arches, fountains, and mosaics.

    Upon entering we bagged our shoes and walked iinto the great hall known as the prayer room. It was quiet, clean, and cool. No wonder so many people come to pray in such a remarkable place.

    One of many ways that makes this mosque so uplifting is that it is built over the Atlantic water. The Qur’an talks about the throne of God being built upon the water.

    Next we went downstairs to the washing room. Here the men wash prior to prayers—starting with their right hand, which gets washed three times. The women have their own washing area upstairs.

    The basins look like marble flowers with large petals floating to the floor with water gently rolling over the edges.

    Finally, our visit was complete and we were moving onto our next stop. We bid farewell to the mosque by saying a short prayer—one that included peace, health, and happiness for all.
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