Kutubiyya Mosque
Mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Kutubiyya Mosque or Koutoubia Mosque (Arabic: جامع الكتبية Arabic pronunciation: [jaːmiʕu‿lkutubijːa(h)])[lower-alpha 1] is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco.[2] It is located in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakesh, near the Jemaa el-Fnaa market place, and is flanked by large gardens.
Kutubiyya Mosque | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Affiliation | Sunni Islam |
District | Marrakesh |
Region | Morocco |
Year consecrated | 1158 (current mosque) |
Status | Active |
Location | |
Location | Marrakesh, Morocco |
Geographic coordinates | 31.624124°N 7.993541°W / 31.624124; -7.993541 |
Architecture | |
Type | Mosque |
Style | Almohad, Moroccan/Moorish |
Founder | Abd al-Mu'min |
Groundbreaking | 1147 (first mosque) |
Completed | Between 1158 and 1195 (current mosque) |
Specifications | |
Minaret(s) | One |
Minaret height | 77 m |
Materials | Brick, sandstone, wood |
The mosque was founded in 1147 by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu'min right after he conquered Marrakesh from the Almoravids. A second version of the mosque was entirely rebuilt by Abd al-Mu'min around 1158, with Ya'qub al-Mansur possibly finalizing construction of the minaret around 1195.[3] This second mosque is the structure that stands today. It is an important example of Almohad architecture and of Moroccan mosque architecture generally.[3] The minaret tower, 77 metres (253 ft) in height, is decorated with varying geometric arch motifs and topped by a spire and metal orbs. It likely inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat, which were built shortly after in the same era.[4][5][6][7] The minaret is also considered an important landmark and symbol of Marrakesh.[8][9]