Inside the Moroccan capital Rabat, and close to the mausoleum of the late King Mohammed V, lies the Hassan Tower, which is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the region, as it embodies the history of the Almohad state and is considered a symbol of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture.
The tower is located on a hill overlooking the city of Salé and the Bou Regreg River, and was built during the reign of Sultan Yaqub Al-Mansur Al-Muwahidi. Construction began in 1197, as part of a large mosque project that the Sultan wanted to be one of the largest mosques of his time.
However, the construction of the mosque was not completed before the death of the Sultan in 1199, leaving the tower alone as a witness to this ambitious project.
The tower is distinguished by its unique design that combines Moroccan-Andalusian architectural style. It is 44 meters high, and was supposed to reach 80 meters high.
The minaret contains six internal chambers connected by a winding internal staircase, which facilitates access to the upper part.
The Hassan Tower is considered a symbol of Moroccan cultural heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world. The site has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, reflecting its historical and architectural importance.
The minaret was hit by an earthquake in 1755, which caused severe damage to the mosque that was scheduled to be completed, but the minaret remained standing, and the area surrounding the minaret was revived in 1961 when King Hassan II decided to build a mausoleum for his father Mohammed V nearby.
The Hassan Tower remains a symbol of national pride and Moroccan history, as it represents part of the country's cultural identity. Through its unique design and rich history, the minaret continues to attract visitors and remind them of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
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