By Maleeha Wasim

This StoryMap examines why the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the only mosque in Morocco that allows non-Muslim visitors. While all other Moroccan mosques remain restricted to Muslims, the Hassan II Mosque functions simultaneously as an active place of worship, a symbol of the Moroccan monarchy, and an international tourist destination. Through using photographs from a personal tour, historical research, and scholarship on religion, tourism, and Moroccan state identity, this project explores how the mosque balances sacredness with accessibility. Rather than viewing the mosque simply as an example of religious openness, the argument here is that it serves as a carefully managed space through which Morocco presents a particular image of Islam, national identity, and religious tolerance. Morocco has long actively promoted an official image of Islam that emphasizes tolerance and openness, a narrative that distinguishes the country internationally from more radical interpretations of Islam. By examining the historical context of mosque access, the political goals behind the mosque’s construction, guided tours, visitor experiences, and the continuing role of worship within the site, this project demonstrates how sacred space can simultaneously serve religious, political, and cultural purposes.