Tinmel Mosque: From the Almohad Era to the Al-Haouz Earthquake- A Journey Through Time

Aribat Mohamed Amine, Professor Jmili Hamid

(pp:139-154)

Volume 7, Issue 3

Abstract: Tinmel is located in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, on elevated land brimming with a glorious history and a secret that continues to pulse with life. This historical gem is closely associated with the beginnings of the Almohad state, where the *Tinmel Mosque* was built as a religious, cultural, and political symbol that has remained etched in the memory of Morocco and its people. It is well known that Tinmel played a pivotal role in the Almohad movement, as it was from here that the spark of religious and political renewal was ignited under the leadership of *Ibn Tumart*, the founder of the Almohad state. The city was the starting point of their movement against the Almoravids, and after the establishment of their state and their migration to their capital, Marrakesh, it became their sacred city—one that their kings and supporters would pilgrimage to, as it symbolized the foundation of their dynasty and the resting place of the founders.   As the Almohad dynasty’s influence waned, Tinmel did not fade into obscurity. Instead, it remained a testament to the changing tides of history, preserving its formidable architecture and the remnants of fortifications and infrastructure that bear witness to its past greatness. At its heart stands the *Great Mosque*, a unique architectural masterpiece that combines religious symbolism with engineering brilliance. A description of the mosque reveals the precision and magnificence in its construction, evident in its crowned domes and exquisite decorations, solidifying its place as an eternal cultural landmark.   Following the devastation wrought by the *Al Haouz earthquake, one question remains: will **Tinmel* remain as majestic as it once was? A journey through time takes us from its foundation to its trials, urging reflection on the fate of our historical monuments and how we preserve them for future generations.

 Keywords: Almohads – Tinmel – Mosque – Architecture – Al-Haouz Earthquake.

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