Gallery
Description
Property Name: Great Mosque of Tlemcen
Inventory No: 213-43-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-04-15
Country (State party): Algeria
Province: Tlemcen
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 34° 53′ 1.86″ N
1° 18′ 38.04″ W
Historic Period: 12th century, 1st half
Year of Construction: 1136
Style: Almovarid
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown
Significance
After Tlemcen city was founded by Yusuf ibn Tashufin in 1082, he started the construction of this mosque. It is one of the best preserved examples of Almoravid architecture in Algeria. The construction of the mosque was completed by the son of Yusuf ibn Tashufin, Ali ibn Yusuf in 1136.
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
The mosque is in a good state of preservation.
References
ed. Michell, George. Architecture of the Islamic World; Its History and Social Meaning. Thanes & Hudson, London, 1978.