Great Mosque of Sousse, Aghlabid mosque in Medina of Sousse, Tunisia
Description
The Great Mosque of Sousse is an Aghlabid structure with crenellated walls and corner towers surrounding a rectangular courtyard. The prayer hall opens toward the court and features barrel-vaulted ceilings supported by interior columns.
History
The structure was built in 851 under the rule of Abu al-Abbas Muhammad al-Aghlabi, symbolizing the power of the Aghlabid dynasty. This ruling family served as vassals to the Abbasid Caliphate during the early Islamic period.
Culture
The prayer hall is divided into 13 naves with horseshoe arches that follow Islamic design principles. This layout creates a rhythmic visual flow that guides visitors through the space.
Practical
It is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Medina of Sousse, and visitors can observe the prayer hall from the courtyard without entering worship areas. It helps to spend adequate time exploring the complex, as architectural details become visible from multiple vantage points.
Did you know?
The structure never had a minaret and instead relied on the adjacent Ribat fortress tower for the call to prayer. This unusual arrangement linked two military and religious structures into a practical solution.
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