Rabat – The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech has reopened its doors after undergoing extensive renovation following the September 8 earthquake, according to a report released on Friday by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
King Mohammed VI has ordered the reopening of mosques that have been constructed or that have undergone rehabilitation or restoration work by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. This includes Marrakech’s iconic mosque and a number of other mosques across Morocco.
In its statement, the ministry added that the number of these mosques totaled 43, of which 17 were newly built and 24 were restored, including Koutoubia, which was affected by the earthquake.
According to Abderrahim Baghezli, the regional delegate for Endowments and Islamic Affairs in the Marrakech-Safi region, the mosque, which was affected by the earthquake that struck the Al Haouz region last September, was restored to its original condition after a lengthy restoration process carried out by the ministry.
The restoration work was completed on the basis of scientific and technical expertise, Baghezli said, noting that the reopening of the mosque has raised the spirits of all worshippers.
He also highlighted that “the regional delegation of Islamic affairs has proceeded to fit out the esplanade adjacent to the Mosque to accommodate the flow of worshippers during the Ichaa prayer and Taraweeh (nightly prayers) in Ramadan.”
Many on social media have also expressed their delight at the resumption of prayers at Koutoubia, after several months of closure, highlighting their attachment to this spiritual landmark, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
With its majestic 77-meter minaret, the mosque has a total surface area of 5,300 square meters and can accommodate 25,000 people.
The September 8 earthquake, which struck at a magnitude of 6.8, killed almost 3,000 people, including children, and left over 5,600 injured.
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