Great Mosque of Tinmel Damaged in Earthquake

One year after a devastating earthquake in September 2023, the village of Tinmel, Morocco, is focused on rebuilding the Great Mosque of Tinmel, which suffered catastrophic damage. The earthquake resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and the destruction of almost 60,000 homes across Morocco, with Tinmel losing 15 community members. Residents, driven by a sense of pride and the mosque's historical significance, are determined to restore their sacred site, which was originally built in the 12th century and is recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Government officials have stated that restoring the mosque using original materials is a priority, with a team of local experts and an Italian architect overseeing the project. As reconstruction begins, local construction worker Redwan Aitsalah emphasized the importance of the mosque in revitalizing a region that has long struggled with infrastructure and job shortages. The total cost of rebuilding after the earthquake is estimated at approximately $12.3 billion.