Three Doors Mosque, 9th century mosque in Kairouan, Tunisia
The Three Doors Mosque in Kairouan's medina features three horseshoe arches on its main facade, with a central door that rises higher than the flanking ones. The structure rests on ancient marble columns and displays intricately carved stone panels with geometric and botanical designs.
The building was constructed in 866 by Andalusian merchant Muhammed bin Khairun and stands as one of the earliest examples of Islamic architectural decoration in North Africa. This structure marked a turning point in how religious buildings were designed and ornamented.
The carved inscriptions on the facade tell the story of the founder and include Quranic verses alongside floral patterns in stone. These decorations reflect the craftsmanship and beliefs of those who created them.
The building sits between the wool market and the southern rampart of the medina, making it easily accessible on foot. The mosque observes regular prayer times throughout the day, and visitors should dress respectfully and avoid interrupting prayers.
The facade contains one of the oldest decorated mosque entrances in Islamic architecture, featuring 24 carved consoles and three distinct inscription bands across its surface. This detailed craftsmanship shows how early artistic sophistication appeared in Islamic building design.
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