Hello Hive community!
In this article, I'm going to share with you my visit to one of the biggest and most famous mosques in Rabat, the capital of Morocco: the Assouna Mosque.
This place, steeped in history and architecture, has always aroused my curiosity. I mentioned it briefly in a previous article, when I took a stroll through the city centre. At that time, unfortunately, I found it closed and was content to admire it from the outside.
This time I was luckier. I went there at prayer time, an occasion when the doors of this magnificent mosque are open to worshippers and visitors. The emotion was palpable as soon as I stepped through the large wooden doors, decorated with magnificent traditional Moroccan motifs. The atmosphere inside was peaceful, inviting reflection and spirituality.
The history of this mosque is fascinating. Founded by Sultan (King) Moulay Mohammed ben Abdallah and completed in 1785, the Assouna Mosque has survived the centuries and witnessed many historic events. It has undergone several restorations, notably in the 19th century and in 1969, to celebrate the 40th birthday of King Hassan 2, the father of the current King Mohamed 6. This constant attention to the preservation of the site shows just how precious it is to the people of Rabat and Morocco in general.
This monument impresses with its imposing size and meticulous architectural detail. Its style harmoniously combines simplicity and grandeur, with majestic arches, walls decorated with geometric motifs, and a minaret that proudly dominates the horizon. The mosque also boasts a vast courtyard that impresses with its grandeur and harmonious layout, reflecting the finesse of traditional Moroccan architecture.
What particularly attracts attention in this courtyard are the two areas dedicated to ablutions, arranged opposite each other. These areas, essential for the faithful before each prayer, are carefully designed, combining functionality and aesthetics. The fountains, often in marble or zellige, add a touch of freshness and serenity, while recalling the importance of purification in Islamic tradition.
Near the main entrance to the mosque, I stopped to chat with the caretaker. He was very welcoming and began to tell me some fascinating anecdotes about the history of this sacred place.
Among the information he shared with me, one in particular caught my attention: the idea to build this mosque came from a personality of Algerian origin. This revelation left me pensive, because it illustrates the extent to which history can be marked by mutual aid and cooperation between the two Moroccan-Algerian peoples, despite the current political tensions.
I lost myself in thought, reflecting on how politics sometimes has the power to divide what history and culture have united. The two countries, Morocco and Algeria, share a rich and intertwined heritage. These traces in history bear witness to a time when relations between the two nations were marked by solidarity and mutual respect.
What is even more striking is the sincere affection that still exists between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples. Whether in terms of traditions, gastronomy or even shared values, the two cultures come together and complement each other. Unfortunately, political differences often disrupt this harmony and create artificial divisions that do not reflect the attachment of the people to each other.
This reflection reminded me of the importance of emphasising what unites us rather than what divides us. And this mosque, for example, carries with it a part of our shared history, and I felt a deep gratitude for these historical and cultural links that nothing can erase. Whether you are Moroccan or Algerian, these symbols of friendship and cooperation should be bridges that bring us closer together.
I hope you enjoy this visit and the photos I've taken, and that they allow you to experience some of the serenity and beauty of this magnificent place. Thank you for taking the time to read and accompany me on this visit through my photos. I wish you an excellent day, filled with soothing moments. Take care and see you soon for a new post and other visits or walks to share with you!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).
