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All Morocco Marrakesh Almoravid Koubba

Almoravid Koubba

The oldest monument in Marrakesh and the city's only surviving example of Almoravid architecture.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Added By
Luis Morato
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The Almoravid koubba.   Martin Furtschegger/cc by 3.0
The Almoravid koubba.   Martin Furtschegger/cc by 3.0
The minaret.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
Detail of a door.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
The dome is richly decorated.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
View of the unearthed zone.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Almoravids were a Berber dynasty that could be described as a cross between Islamic monks and soldiers, who founded the city of Marrakesh in the 11th century. From their capital in the city, the empire managed to extend its dominion over all of Morocco, and conquered a large part of the Iberian Peninsula. Marrakech became a great walled capital with lush gardens and magnificent palaces and mosques—of which today, unfortunately, nothing remains. Nothing, except the Koubba.

The Almoravid Koubba (or Koubba Ba'adiyin) was built in 1117. This small building was once part of a lost Almoravid mosque, where it was used for ablutions before prayer. The koubba had a system of toilets, showers, and taps. Its water was extracted from underground aquifers and transported by bronze pipes. 

Today the importance of this building is not only historical; its style also had a huge influence on Moroccan architecture. Of particular importance is the abundance of decorative elements of the dome, such as palms, pine cones, and tree leaves. In the years to come, these would be used in mosques and buildings throughout the city. Pay close attention to the shapes of the windows; they would later become almost a symbol of the Almohades and the Benimerin dynasty.

Also of note is the curious calligraphy covering the koubba foundation, which includes the oldest cursive inscription in Maghrebi script found in North Africa. 

Related Tags

History Architecture Writing Mosques

Know Before You Go

The koubba is located in Medina near several museums and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Atlas Obscura Adventures

Flavors of Morocco: Souks, Spices & Saharan Stars

A Moroccan Culinary Adventure from Marrakech to Essaouira.

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Community Contributors

Added By

Luis Morato

Edited By

Meg

  • Meg

Published

November 28, 2018

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almoravid_Koubba
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marrakesh
  • https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A8%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%8A%D8%A9_(%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%B4)
Almoravid Koubba
75 Derb Souk Cheria
Marrakesh
Morocco
31.631526, -7.987174
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Marrakesh, Morocco

miles away

Musée de La Femme (Women’s Museum)

Marrakesh, Morocco

miles away

Jemaa el-Fna Square

Marrakesh, Morocco

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Marrakesh

Marrakesh

Morocco

Places 14
Stories 1

Nearby Places

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Marrakesh, Morocco

miles away

Musée de La Femme (Women’s Museum)

Marrakesh, Morocco

miles away

Jemaa el-Fna Square

Marrakesh, Morocco

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Marrakesh

Marrakesh

Morocco

Places 14
Stories 1

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