Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and one of the city's most recognizable monuments. It was established after the Almohad conquest of Marrakech in the 12th century under the caliph Abd al-Mu'min. A second mosque was subsequently constructed beside the first, forming the Koutoubia that survives today. Its celebrated minaret, completed during the reign of Ya'qub al-Mansur, became an influential model for later western Islamic architecture, including the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda in Seville. The mosque takes its name from the booksellers, or kutubiyyin, who historically occupied the surrounding area.
Timeline
Almohad conquest of Marrakech
The Almohads under Abd al-Mu'min conquered Marrakech, beginning a major transformation of the city's religious and monumental architecture.
First Koutoubia Mosque
Abd al-Mu'min commissioned the first Koutoubia Mosque shortly after the Almohad conquest of Marrakech.
Construction of the second mosque
A second mosque was constructed beside the first. This later building forms the principal Koutoubia Mosque that survives today.
Completion of the minaret
The monumental minaret was completed during the reign of the Almohad caliph Ya'qub al-Mansur and became a major model for later Islamic architecture in Morocco and al-Andalus.
Location
Loading Morocco...