Koutobia Mosque and Minaret Marrakech
Morocco - Essaouira - Fez - Marrakech - Agadir
Description of the Koutobia Mosque and Minaret, Marrakech- The Koutobia Mosque and Minaret, Marrakech was built from 1150 to 1190, and is now in fine condition after undergoing a bit of renovation recently. The exterior has been plastered and painted, but now the original stonework is more visible.The nicely carved window arches on the four frontages of the tower have elusive differences from each other. Distinctive horizontal bands of ceramic tile circle the minaret.
In keeping with the Muslim tradition only Muslims are allowed to enter the Koutobia Mosque and Minaret, Marrakech.
Koutobia Mosque and Minaret, Marrakech infers its name from "books" due to the sellers of manuscripts who used to be stationed by the mosque. The minaret rises 77 meters above the ground, while the mosque is hefty by itself. It was first built by Almohad dynasty in the middle of the 12th century, over the remains of an older Almoravides-period palace, but was quickly demolished and rebuilt as the original structure was not accurately aligned towards Mecca.
The Koutobia Mosque and Minaret, Marrakech has got a simple architectural élan which is typical of the period, and stands in contrast to the highly embellished style of the later Saadian period. The beautiful design of the minaret, crowned by three golden spheres, is seen as an epitome of Islamic architecture which is visited by tourists from all over the world.
