Brussels Landmark at Risk: Grand Mosque’s Minaret to be Dismantled Due to Structural Damage

"During a preparatory inspection in view of the future renovation of the building (concerning the roof, facades and interior), it was found that the minaret has serious structural damage and that its stability is threatened," communicated the Buildings Agency. "The metal structure inside the minaret is rusted and the masonry as well as the concrete ring beams have been damaged by water infiltration," indicate Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS) in a decree, as well as the Buildings Agency, which owns the building, in a press release relayed by La Dernière Heure.

Given these findings, the minaret has been covered with safety nets. Likewise, additional reinforcements have been placed inside. Thanks to sensors, it is possible to monitor its possible movements. But these actions prove to be insufficient. "In consultation with all the parties concerned (the Grand Mosque, the Brussels police, the City of Brussels, Brussels Environment and Urban), it was decided to partially dismantle the minaret. This is the only solution in order to be able to guarantee the safety of passers-by and visitors to the mosque," adds the Buildings Agency.

Thus, the minaret of the Grand Mosque of Brussels will be partially dismantled in this month of August or September: the two upper parts (11 meters long in total) and the copper dome surmounted by a moon (5.5 meters long).