The Mosque of the Andalusians, also known as Jama’ al-Andalusiyyin, stands proudly in the heart of Fes el Bali, the ancient medina of Fez, Morocco. This mosque, unlike many of its contemporaries, boasts a unique history rooted in the arrival of refugees from Andalusia, giving it a rich tapestry of influences and an important place in Moroccan heritage.
The Mosque of the Andalusians has been a beacon of Muslim faith in Fes since its foundation in 859-860 during the reign of the Idrisid dynasty. At first, it was a relatively modest structure, with a hypostyle hall featuring six or seven aisles supported by stone columns. The layout was unusual for its time, with the rows of arches running parallel to the southern qibla wall instead of perpendicular to it. Even back then, this mosque held a place of importance in the Andalusian Quarter of Fes el Bali.
The mosque’s minaret, a prominent landmark that still stands tall today, was added in 956, thanks to the patronage of Abd al-Rahman III, the Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba. This was during a tumultuous period for the region, with the Umayyads and the Fatimids vying for control. As if to show its allegiance, a new minbar was commissioned in 980 by the Fatimid governor Buluggin, featuring an inscription bearing the date 369 AH. However, this Fatimid triumph was fleeting. Just a few years later, in 985, the Umayyad vizier Ibn ‘Abi Amir reclaimed Fez, and the minbar was hastily altered to reflect the Umayyad victory, with a new inscription marking 375 AH.
The Mosque of the Andalusians underwent a significant transformation in the early 13th century under the Almohads. Caliph Muhammad al-Nasir, known for his fortifications and commitment to Fez, ordered a complete reconstruction and expansion. The old mosque’s fabric was largely replaced, giving rise to the structure we see today with its brick pillars and monumental northern gate. This gateway, adorned with intricate zellij tiles and a carved wooden canopy, gives a glimpse of the Almohad architectural style.
The mosque’s history isn’t just about grand construction projects – it’s also a story of preservation and restoration. Marinid rulers continued to improve the mosque throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, carrying out repairs and renovations. It’s a testament to the mosque’s longevity and the commitment of those who have cared for this sacred space over the centuries. Today, the Mosque of the Andalusians stands as a testament to its enduring legacy, a reminder of its connection to the past and its enduring place in the fabric of Fes el Bali.