The minaret of the Great Mosque in Brussels' Parc du Cinquantenaire will be partially dismantled. Serious stability problems pose a potential danger to visitors to the mosque and passers-by in the park.
During a preliminary inspection for the future renovation of the building (roof, facades and interior), the minaret was found to have "serious structural damage" and that "compromised stability."
"We regularly inspect the building because of its protected status," said a spokesperson for Urban.brussels. The metal structure on the inside of the minaret is rusted through, and the brickwork and concrete ring beams have been damaged by water infiltration.
Now, the Buildings Agency, which manages the building, will carry out the necessary stability work. "They are obliged to restore the minaret to its original form afterwards."
The minaret of the Great Mosque in Brussels. Credit: Belga/Hatim Kaghat
A safety perimeter was placed around the minaret, which was wrapped in safety nets while additional reinforcements were placed on the inside. Additionally, sensors are used to monitor any possible movements of the minaret.
In consultation with all parties involved (the Grand Mosque, the Brussels police, the City of Brussels, Brussels Environment and urban.brussels), it was decided to partially dismantle the minaret. The top two sections (11 metres long in total) will be dismantled. The copper sphere with the moon (5.5 metres long) on top of the minaret will be removed separately.
In terms of technology and safety, the best method for dismantling the minaret is currently being investigated. The aim is to carry out the work in August and/or September 2025 (subject to approval by the supervisory bodies).
The dismantling would take approximately two weeks. While the work is being carried out, the mosque will remain closed for safety reasons.
The intention is to rebuild the minaret in the future, according to the Buildings Agency.
