Mosque of the Cat, Religious monument in Ksour district, Marrakesh, Morocco.
The Mosque of the Cat is a small prayer hall located in the Ksour district, featuring a minaret decorated with intricate brick patterns and carved designs. The structure includes decorative arches and a distinctive three-lobed window on the minaret that stands out from the surrounding buildings.
The mosque was founded by Mas'ud in the 12th century as a modest prayer space. It underwent major renovations during the 14th century when the Marinid Sultanate was ruling Morocco, which gave it much of its current form.
The name comes from a story about a cat that helped rid a vizier's home of rats, which reflects how Islamic tradition values these animals. This tale has become part of the local identity of the neighborhood and visitors often ask about the legend.
The mosque is located on Souk Laksour street near Bab Ftouh gate, positioned north of the central Jemaa el-Fnaa square. You can reach it easily by walking from several access points within the medina.
The minaret's facades display sebka patterns, which are geometric lattice designs carved directly into the brickwork using traditional techniques. This type of ornamental carving is labor-intensive and rarely seen in new construction today.
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