Morocco: Marrakesh – Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Marrakech and a significant example of Almohad architecture. The Mosque, also known as the Mosque of the Booksellers, was commissioned by the Almohad Caliph Abd al-Mu’min and completed in the late 12th century. It was built on the site of a former Almoravid mosque, which was destroyed to make way for the new structure. The mosque is known for its elegant proportions, featuring a large prayer hall, a courtyard, and beautifully decorated arches and columns. Its most distinctive feature is the minaret, which stands at 77 m (253 ft) tall. The minaret is adorned with intricate stonework and topped with a spire and orbs. The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque served as a prototype for other famous towers, such as the Giralda in Seville, and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech remains an active place of worship, with daily prayers and sermons. The mosque looks most spectacular at sunset.
