Gallery

Description

Property Name: Andalusian Mosque
Inventory No: 212-5-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2007-10-24
Country (State party): Morocco
Province: Fez
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 34° 3′ 45″ N
4° 58′ 30″ W
Historic Period:
Year of Construction: 859-60, 956, 1203-7
Style: Almohad
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown

Significance
The Andalusian Mosque, which takes his name from the surrounding quarter, where the refugees from Cordoba had settled in the ninth century, was a neighbourhood mosque, but became a congregational mosque in the 10th century. The mosque is known for its similarity to the Qarawiyyin Mosque, but it is much simplier.

Selection Criteria
iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance

State of Preservation
Andalusian Mosque dates back to the inception of the city in the 9th century, with the completion of the initial foundation in 859-860. This makes it one of the oldest mosques in the world. The mosque had been renovated and expanded several times since then. Today, it is one of the relatively few remaining Idrisid-era establishments and the main landmarks of the city.
The building had several restoration in history. Today it is in a good condition and open to prayers.

References
Hillenbrand, Robert. Islamic Architecture. NY: Columbia UP, 1994.
Hoag, John. Islamic Architecture. NY: Rizzoli, 1987.
Michell, George, ed. Architecture of the Islamic World. Thames & Hudson, London, 1996.
Pickens et al. Maroc: Les Cites Imperiales. ACR Edition. Paris, 1995.
Terrasse, Henri. La Mosquee des Andalous a Fes. Les Editions d’Art et d’Histoire. Paris, 1942.
Archnet Web Site: http://archnet.org/