Let’s Take a Visit to the Great Mosque of Taza

Hidden within the heart of northern Morocco lies a centuries-old sanctuary, where art, history, and devotion converge in remarkable harmony.

Fez- The Great Mosque, known locally as Al-Jami’ Al-Adam, is one of Taza’s most significant historical and religious landmarks.

This sacred place of worship has detailing that shows the creativity of Moroccan artisans and the beauty of traditional architecture while reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity.

Construction of the mosque began during the Almohad period in the early 6th century AH (12th century CE), however, it was only completed under the Marinids, who added six aisles and a beautifully designed dome above the mihrab.

This dome is renowned for its intricate decorations. In 694 AH (1294 CE), Sultan Abu Yaqub Yusuf of the Marinid dynasty ordered the installation of a unique chandelier that remains a highlight of the mosque’s architecture.

The light fixture is made from copper, weighs over 3 tons, and holds 514 small cups for oil lamps.

While it has been replaced with modern lighting, its historical significance remains unmatched. Standing 4.5 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide, the chandelier is adorned with intricate engravings and verses from the Quran, including parts of Surah Al-Nur and Surah Al-Baqarah.

These verses emphasize light and guidance, symbolizing the spiritual role of the mosque.

Another remarkable feature is a smaller chandelier resembling the one at the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez.

Its design includes hexagonal shapes and reflects the craftsmanship of the era.

The mosque also houses one of the oldest libraries in Morocco, originally established to preserve important works like Al-Shifa by Qadi Iyad.

Expanded during the Marinid period, the library included valuable manuscripts such as Ibn Battuta’s Rihla.

In 1973, a catalog of its contents was compiled, with many documents now archived in Rabat’s public library.

The collection includes rare manuscripts and original Almohad writings, such as those by Al-Mahdi Ibn Tumart, documented in the book A’azz Ma Yutlab.

The mosque’s cultural importance extends beyond its architecture and manuscripts. It regularly hosts religious ceremonies featuring Quran recitations and traditional praises of the Prophet, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

These gatherings attract individuals and groups from across Taza, reinforcing the mosque’s role as a community hub.

Next to the mosque lies the Yousifiya Madrasa, built by Sultan Abu Yaqub Yusuf and later renovated by Sultan Moulay Rashid.

Though known by various names, it remains an integral part of Taza’s heritage.

The mosque also boasts one of Morocco’s oldest pulpits, crafted from ebony and inlaid with ivory and mother-of-pearl during the Almohad era.

This pulpit, restored under the Marinids, has hosted countless scholars and preachers, adding to the legacy of this remarkable site.