The 253 foot, red sandstone minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is not only the visual anchor of Jemaa el Fna but also Marrakech’s most iconic landmark. The Booksellers’ Mosque reflects the architectural style of the Almohad Dynasty. This Berber Muslim movement reigned over Morocco from 1121 through 1269. Shortly after seizing power in Marrakech in 1147, they destroyed the palace of their Almoravid predecessor and constructed their first mosque. This replacement was finished around 1190. The minaret features scalloped arches, two glazed pottery borders (faience) and is crowned with a gilded dome plus three orbs. Interestingly, each side of the tower has a different design.
