Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V (
History
Mohammed V died in 1961. Construction of his mausoleum was commissioned by Hassan II.[1][2] The complex was designed by Vietnamese architect Cong Vo Toan using traditional forms with modern materials.[3][4] The rich materials, as well as the deliberate use of historical crafts and motifs, is meant to not only pay tribute to Mohammed V but also to evoke his own efforts to encourage traditional craftsmanship as a means of promote a sense of Moroccan identity.[3]
Construction began in 1961 and involved renovations to the esplanade of the ruined Almohad-era mosque to which the Hassan Tower belonged.[5][4] Construction was completed in 1971[3][4] and Mohammed V's body was transferred here that same year.[6] His son Abdallah was buried here in 1983.[6] Hassan II was also buried here upon his death in 1999.[7]
Description
The mausoleum stands on an elevated platform at the southeastern corner of the esplanade. It is a rectangular structure made in reinforced concrete covered with white marble on the exterior. The exterior is marked by porticos of Moorish arches and a pyramidal green roof. The arches are also polylobed and the wall surfaces above them are carved with a characteristic Moroccan sebka motif.[3] Inside, the mausoleum chamber is covered by a dome of mahogany wood with coloured glass, while the walls are covered in zellij tiling. Some elements are finished with chased brass.[3] The cenotaph of Mohammed V is carved in white onyx and was made by craftsman Ibn Abdelkrim.[6] A reader of the Quran is often present, having his assigned seat.
To the west, across from the mausoleum and at the southwestern corner of the ancient mosque, is another structure on an elevated platform: a rectangular open-air pavilion with rows of arches which was designed as a museum for the
Gallery
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Mausoleum of Mohammed V seen through the mosque ruins -
Entrance to the mausoleum -
Columns and portico around the mausoleum, with royal guard -
Interior of the mausoleum with a Quran reader -
The interior dome of the mausoleum -
The mosque attached to the mausoleum -
Fountain in the façade of the complex -
The western pavilion
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See also
References
- ISBN 978-0-19-530991-1.
- ^ "Mausoleum of Mohammed V". History Hit. Retrieved 2023-01-15.
- ^ ISBN 978-0300218701.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-07-036831-6.
- ^ Lakhdar, Kamal. "Hasan Mosque". Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
- ^ ISBN 978-3902782311.
- ^ "CNN - Morocco's King Hassan buried as thousands mourn - July 25, 1999". www.cnn.com. Retrieved 2023-01-15.