Mausoleum of Mohammed V, A Mausoleum of Royal Splendor and Historical Significance

Quartier Hassan, Rabat, Morocco

The Tomb of King Muhammad V

Introduction

The Royal Guards, wearing traditional Fes red hats, guard the mausoleum of Mohammed V. It forms an interesting contrast with the nearby Hassan Tower. The mausoleum consists of a modern building and an ancient minaret. In 1962, King Hassan II built this mausoleum to honor his father, Mohammed V, who passed away the year before. The mausoleum was completed in 1971, and King Hassan II was also buried here after his death. Mohammed V is the father of modern Morocco and ruled the country twice. The first time was from 1927 to 1953 when Morocco was still not independent, and Mohammed V was referred to as the "Sultan." Due to his support for independence, he was exiled by the French colonial government to Madagascar for three years. In 1961, he returned to Morocco but passed away later that year. Morocco declared independence and changed the title from Sultan to King. The mausoleum of King Mohammed V is considered as one of the representations of modern architecture of the Alawite dynasty. Its signature features include white walls and green tiles on the exterior, while the interior is elaborately decorated by Moroccan craftsmen, featuring elements such as white marble, mosaic, and intricately carved cedarwood. Additionally, the coffins of King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, are housed in the lower level of the mausoleum.