Intended by its initiator Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur to be the tallest in the Western Mediterranean, the Hassan Minaret was left unfinished on his death in 1199. With its geometrically carved stonework, walls 2.6 metres thick, and internal access ramp to domed chambers, it has survived fire and earthquake, and its iconic status was confirmed when King Mohammed V chose it as the location from which to announce Morocco’s independence in 1955. However, cracks, erosion, and dirt build-up were causes for concern. The restoration project sought to remedy and slow the decay while respecting the monument’s integrity through a minimum-intervention approach. The materials, structure, and historical documentation were analysed, cracks were stabilised, stonework repointed, surfaces cleaned. Legibility was improved through the restoration of some elements of the facades and cupolas, while always adhering to the principle of reversibility and ensuring that the distinction between restored and original zones remains clear.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
