The Kutubiyya Mosque of Marrakesh Revisited

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present a new survey of the Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakesh (Morocco) produced between 2015 and 2018 using photogrammetric techniques. This work intends to close a surprising gap in the available information for one of the most important monuments of Western Islamic architecture. We also present our preliminary observations, formed during the course of producing these drawings. Although a building such as this mosque—with one part in use and therefore maintained regularly and another part heavily restored as a ruin—is difficult to investigate archaeologically, an analysis of the chronology and the construction process is proffered. We reject the prevalent theory that there were two subsequent mosques, with the newer one serving as a substitute for the older building. Instead, by presenting new dates and arguments, we propose that the Kutubiyya represents a single mosque built in two phases, the first part of which later fell into ruin.