12th century – 12th century
Marrakesh, Morocco
The Kutubiyya Mosque is an Almohad monument at Marrakesh, built under the dynasty’s founder, Abd al-Mu’min. Its six-storey minaret rises more than 67 metres, while five muqarnas domes, lobed arches, seventeen naves, and seven bays express the architectural richness of Almohad art. The mosque is presented as one of the most accomplished creations of western Muslim architecture.
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The Story
The Kutubiyya Mosque at Marrakesh is described as the jewel of Almohad art and one of the loveliest creations of Islam. It was built by Abd al-Mu’min, the founder of the Almohad dynasty, whose reign is given as 1130–1163. The monument embodied the architectural maturity and grandeur associated with the Almohad period.
Its minaret had six storeys and rose more than 67 metres above the ground. The mosque also contained five stalactite, or muqarnas, domes, which the extract treats as a culmination in the history of this architectural form. These elements combined structural ambition with a highly developed ornamental language.
The interior organization intensified the impression of amplitude. Lobed arches enriched with decorative motifs spanned seventeen naves and seven bays, intersecting repeatedly across the building. Alongside polychrome faience, vaulted halls, and muqarnas, these features gave the mosque the balanced yet sumptuous character associated with western Muslim art at its height.
12th century – 12th century
Marrakesh, Morocco
The Kutubiyya Mosque is an Almohad monument at Marrakesh, built under the dynasty’s founder, Abd al-Mu’min. Its six-storey minaret rises more than 67 metres, while five muqarnas domes, lobed arches, seventeen naves, and seven bays express the architectural richness of Almohad art. The mosque is presented as one of the most accomplished creations of western Muslim architecture.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Kutubiyya Mosque at Marrakesh is described as the jewel of Almohad art and one of the loveliest creations of Islam. It was built by Abd al-Mu’min, the founder of the Almohad dynasty, whose reign is given as 1130–1163. The monument embodied the architectural maturity and grandeur associated with the Almohad period.
Its minaret had six storeys and rose more than 67 metres above the ground. The mosque also contained five stalactite, or muqarnas, domes, which the extract treats as a culmination in the history of this architectural form. These elements combined structural ambition with a highly developed ornamental language.
The interior organization intensified the impression of amplitude. Lobed arches enriched with decorative motifs spanned seventeen naves and seven bays, intersecting repeatedly across the building. Alongside polychrome faience, vaulted halls, and muqarnas, these features gave the mosque the balanced yet sumptuous character associated with western Muslim art at its height.
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