Hassan II Mosque

April 1, 2026

All I can say is WOW!!! I really cannot find the words to accurately describe what I experienced today, and the pictures don't do it justice.

Professor Pineapple-ton reporting live from Casablanca, Morocco. It's my turn to post my commentary and experience on this most amazing of educational adventures - or as I like to call it, "Ed-ventures".

Special thanks to Fulbright TGC, IREX, and MACECE for welcoming me into the fold. And an extra special shout out to my new friends, Octavius the Otter (visiting from Watsonville, CA) and Gulliver the Gnome (all the way Washington D.C.). We're having the time of our lives!

So many fun facts learned today, starting early this morning, (Ok, so it was 9am, but I've been staying up late absorbing the culture, ambiance, and the food.) Ms. Casey and I both geeked out on the first lecture of the day, "Moroccan Architecture" (thinking of you G.A.) presented by a brilliant architect and Fulbright alumna. From the history of the medinas to the role of women in design, to the use of sustainable and locally sourced materials, building with humanity in mind, it was an insightful and memorable learning experience.

And it was a fantastic precursor to visiting Hassan II Mosque, one of few mosques to allow entrance to non-Muslims, via a guided tour. Hands down, and with respect to all houses of worship, Hassan II has to be the most spectacular and impressive house of worship I have ever seen. And I've spent significant time in Europe, specifically France, where by the end of our semester at Sorbonne University, the phrase turned to, "seen one cathedral, seen them all'. Again, no disrespect, the French Cathedral's are stunning, as are all the cathedrals, churches, synagogues, I've visited. but where was something extra about this mosque.

I can't say that one thing or feature was more impressive than another. I will say that it was a mind-blown kind of moment.

FUN FACTS

• It has a retractable roof!!!

• 360 speakers for the imam (Muslim religious leader) to be heard in all the sections of the 2 hectares (or 20,000 square meters) prayer hall

• Total capacity: 105,000 worshippers

  • 25,000 in the prayer hall

  • 80,000 in the plaza

• A 6,000 square feet hammam (bathhouse)

• A 210 meter (690 ft) minaret calling worshippers to prayer:

  • 5 times per day: dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset & night

    • representing the 5 pillars of Islam: faith, prayer (worship), alms (charity), fasting (self-discipline), & pilgrimage (devotion)

It's breathtaking, stunning, overwhelming, impressive, familiar (more on that later) and peaceful. 

Check out a few photographs below and stay tuned for more Ed-ventures throughout Casablanca and other areas of Morocco.

Team Morocco - 12 brilliant educators from 10 states.

Retractable ceiling - look up. :)

6,000 meter bathhouse

Hand-carved plaster ceiling

Professor A. Pineappleton (center), Gulliver the Gnome (left), & Octavius the Otter (right)