Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen


The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is the oldest mosque and the main historic Friday mosque of Chefchaouen, Morocco. It is located at the central Place Outa Hammam, near the city's historic kasbah.

History

The mosque dates from the earliest period of the city after its foundation by Moulay 'Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami, but sources vary in citing the exact date of its foundation: some date it to 1471, another cites 1475-76, and others date it to the 16th century, particularly under Moulay 'Ali's son Mohammed. Its minaret is believed to date from the late 17th century due to its octagonal shaft and overall similarity to the style of minarets built under Ali ibn Abdallah Errifi such as those of the Kasbah Mosque of Tangier or the Great Mosque of Asilah.
Historically, the mosque also offered lessons in religious sciences such as fiqh and was accompanied by a dormitory for students. As the city's main Friday mosque, it was also the location where the local rulers or governors of Chefchaouen would pledge their allegiance to the Sultan of Morocco and where the decrees of the latter were read publicly. The mosque was restored in the 19th century and again in the 20th century. It was most recently restored in 2006.