Morocco's Great Mosque Still in Ruins After Earthquake

In the wake of a catastrophic September 2023 earthquake in Morocco, the ancient Great Mosque of Tinmel lies in ruins. The quake, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives and rendered about 60,000 homes uninhabitable, devastated the mosque's intricate structures, including its minaret and prayer hall. Despite the destruction, the site remains a revered monument for the villagers, who have committed to rebuilding it. Among them is Mohamed Hartatouch, who mourns the loss of his 33-year-old son, Abdelkrim, a victim of the disaster.

One year later, residents of Tinmel, still living in temporary plastic tents, have started to clear debris and plan for reconstruction. The Moroccan government, along with international assistance, has mobilized architects and engineers to restore the mosque using salvaged materials. Financial aid for homeowners has been limited, with most receiving $2,000, which many claim is insufficient for rebuilding. Authorities have distributed more than 55,000 reconstruction permits but report less than 1,000 homes have been rebuilt.

The restoration of Tinmel mosque is a top priority and stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage for Morocco. The country's Ministry of Islamic Affairs, along with Moroccan-born architect Aldo Giorgio Pezzi, is spearheading the restoration. "We will rebuild it based on the evidence and remains that we have so it returns to how it was," stated Ahmed Toufiq, Morocco's Minister of Islamic Affairs. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)