Zayyanid architecture

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Modern reconstruction of El Mechouar Palace, the royal palace of the Zayyanids in Tlemcen, begun by Yaghmurasen ibn Zyan in 1248

Zayyanid architecture originated in the Kingdom of Tlemcen between the 13th and 16th centuries in the northwestern region of present-day Algeria. It is a continuation of the western Islamic architectural traditions, often known as the "Hispano-Moresque style," with elements that were further developed to create distinctive designs lasting for centuries.[1][2][3] This architectural style was significantly influenced by the Almohad Caliphate and Andalusian architecture, resulting in a lasting heritage of Moorish architectural achievements.[4]

Historical background

Further information: Kingdom of Tlemcen

After the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, the Islamic Maghreb witnessed the emergence of three major dynasties starting from the 13th century: the Hafsid dynasty in Ifriqiya, the Zayyanid dynasty in central Maghreb, and the Marinid dynasty in western Maghreb.[5] This division was an inevitable result of the tense political situation in the region at that time, which led to conflicts and wars. As the Almohad state weakened, each of these dynasties sought to establish its rule and define its borders at the expense of the others.[6][7]

When the prince

Islamic Maghreb during the Middle Ages.[10] Tlemcen played a significant role across various domains, especially in trading, Tlemcen emerged as the primary trading hub, surpassing Tiaret in the region. It housed European trading centers that facilitated connections between African and European merchants.[11][12] Tlemcen played a vital role in the trade of African gold, which reached European hands through this pivotal city.[11]
The Zayyanid dynasty experienced remarkable development and prosperity in the field of urbanism. Despite periods of political and social unrest in Tlemcen under Zayyanid rule, religious, civic, and military buildings witnessed notable activity. Additionally, a large number of scholars emerged,[13] Leaving behind an impact on the fields of science and architecture in the region. As a result, the city of Tlemcen, the capital of the Zayyanids, was also considered one of the most well-policed and civilized cities in the world.[13]

Mosque architecture

Minaret of the Great Mosque of Tlemcen, added by Sultan Yaghmurasen in 1236

The Abd al-Wadids had expertise in

Algiers Mosque, and the two minarets of the Grand Mosque in Tlemcen and Nedroma.[15][2]

Minaret

The Zayyanids left various

minarets across their kingdom that have been preserved up to the present day, with a great part of them being built in their capital Tlemcen. These minarets are square-shaped and typically consist of two floors.[16]

These minarets can be traced back to the

Great Mosque of Algiers, and the minaret of the Mustur Mosque.[17]

El Mechouar Mosque Minaret, achieved by the sultan Abu Hammu I in 1317.

Zayyanid minarets are characterized by their square shape and their placement at the corners of the back wall of the mosque, except for the mosques of Tlemcen and Algiers, where the minaret is positioned at the center of the back wall, aligned with the mihrab.[18] They are also notable for their moderate height, which is proportional to the size of the mosque, whether large or small.[17]

The Zayyanid minarets, both in their general exterior appearance and decorative elements, were influenced by the Almohad minarets.[2] Evidence of this influence is the fact that Zayyanid minarets have two floors instead of three.[17]

As for the internal structure of the minaret, it bears a striking resemblance to the minaret of the Qalat Bani Hammad Mosque.[7][17]

Outside appearance

Sidi Belahcen Mosque Tlemcen, constructed by the Zayyanid sultan Abu Said Uthman I

Mosques during the

Abd al-Wadids realm adopted a rectangular architectural form, oriented from north to south in Sidi Bel Hassan and Sidi Ibrahim mosques, and from east to west in the Ouled El Imam mosque. Most of the minaret occupies one of the corners of the rectangle, for example, the southeast corner in the Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque, the northwest corner in the Sidi Ibrahim Mosque, and the northeast corner in the Ouled El Imam Mosque.[14]

As for the entrances, their shape, position, and number vary from one mosque to another. The main entrance of Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque is located in the middle of the eastern wall and is a prominent commemorative entrance. The second entrance opens on the southwest side and is a simple and ordinary entrance resembling the three entrances of Ouled El Imam mosque, one on the eastern wall and the other two on the northern wall overlooking the shared courtyard with the madrasa, historically.[14]

Sidi Ibrahim mosque includes three prominent commemorative entrances occupying the three sides of the mosque except for the southeast side. They are organized in a balanced and coordinated manner.[19]

The roofs of the three mosques appear from the outside in a sloping or truncated pyramid shape. This roofing style is suited to the region's climate, as it helps rainwater to drain and slide off during winter and provides cooling inside the mosque during summer. The roofs appear to be covered with solid, shiny, green-colored tiles, and they run vertically along the qibla wall in Sidi Bel Hassan and Ouled El Imam mosques, and in parallel in Sidi Ibrahim Mosque, where its dome in front of the mihrab is slightly prominent outward with small windows for lighting and ventilation, some of which are open, and others are closed. Additional windows for lighting and ventilation are opened in the walls of the three mosques.[14]

Interior appearance

details of mihrab bordered by two capitals and the wooden ceilings that covers the Mosque of Sidi Bel Hassan.

The Zayyanid mosques did preserve their architectural foundation, except for the

Almoravid mosques in Tlemcen, which confirms their secondary function as evident from their general dimensions. For instance, Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque measures approximately 10.20 meters in length and 9.70 meters in width, and is characterized by the absence of a courtyard.[19] While Ouled El Imam mosque measures about 9 meters in length and 6.30 meters in width. Sidi Ibrahim mosque is considered the largest and most spacious, with the prayer hall measuring approximately 19 meters in length and 15.40 meters in width.[19]

Each mosque features a small door that leads to the minaret. The entrances of Sidi Bel Hassan and Ouled El Imam mosques directly connect to the prayer hall, while two of the entrances in Sidi Ibrahim mosque lead to the rear of the prayer hall and one leads to an open central courtyard.[22]

Palaces

Palace construction was widespread throughout the Zayyanid era across the kingdom; sultans of the Zayyanid dynasty showed great interest in building and construction. Among the important architectural structures established during the Zayyanid era were the palaces, including the Palace of El Mechouar.[21][3]

Yaghmurasen had a keen interest in building and construction, and he passed this passion on to his son Uthman and his grandson Abu Hammu I in establishing both religious and urban architectural structures.[23] Historical records attest that sultan Abu Hammu I built a palace near the town of Mazouna when he conquered it in 1311.[24] His son Abu Tashufin I (1318-1337 CE) was also interested about construction, making his era a period of urban prosperity in Tlemcen. The number of houses and mansions in his time reached around sixteen.[23] He was particularly fond of building palaces, and among his palaces were three famous ones: Dar Al-Malik, Dar Al-Surur, and the palace of Abu Fehr in El Mechouar complexe.[25]
However, we do not know their exact locations as they were destroyed by the Marinids when Abu al-Abbas Ahmed attacked Tlemcen in 1387.[26]

El Mechouar

Further information: El Mechouar Palace
Hallway in the present-day reconstruction of El Mechouar Palace

It is the royal palace and the main headquarters of the sultans of the Zayyanid dynasty. It was built by Yaghmurasen ibn Zyan and later expanded by Abu Hamu Musa I,[27][28] who added some facilities to it. One of the most important historical texts that mentioned the palace of El Mechouar is the precise description given by the traveler Hassan Al-Wazzan, who said, "The royal palace of El Mechouar is located south of the city and is surrounded by high walls in the form of a fortress. It contains other small palaces with gardens and orchards, all of them well-built and adorned with beautiful architectural decorations. The palace has two gates, one opening towards the open country and the other in the middle of the city where the chief of the guard resides."[29]

The palace walls showed rich decorations, enhanced with

Zirid palaces, this feature set it apart from contemporary palace designs in other regions.[31] In 2010–2011 a modern reconstruction was erected over these remains,[32] which has an unclear relation with the design of the original palace.[33]

Within the palatial complex, an array of residences, pavilions, and gardens surrounded the landscape, complemented by essential facilities like a mosque and a hammam.[30]

During the Zayyanid era, four prominent palaces emerged: Dar al-Malik (

Arabic: دار الراحة).[30]Abu Tashufin I, during his reign from 1318 to 1337, was the visionary behind the construction of three of these palaces.[25]

The architects designed some of these palaces to cater to different seasons. The summer residence, crafted from mudbrick, preserved a refreshing coolness, while the winter residence, crafted from stone, provided warmth during the colder months.[30]

It is noteworthy that the palace of El Mechouar stands as a remarkable landmark of the Kingdom of Tlemcen, showcasing the Zayyanid art and architecture with evident influence from the Andalusian style.[27]

Fortifications

El Mechouar defensive fortress.

During their reign, the

Marinids, surrounding their capital with a deep trench that encircled the city, reinforced with towering walls built from clay, sand, and limestone.[35]

The political and military circumstances faced by the

fortifications became a stronghold for the region.[36]

In the mid-13th century,

Sultan Yaghmurasen.[37] Under his rule, Tlemcen was transformed into a unified city protected by high walls, consisting of approximately seven layers in some areas.[38] Yaghmoracen also initiated the construction of the imposing Kachout walls in 1265. A Moroccan traveler described these walls as "the strongest and most solid walls", attesting to their height and invincibility.[39]

The

Hafsids, such as the Temzezdekt that was supplied by three thousand soldiers.[40] Abu Tachufin also built more fortifications on the eastern side of the kingdom to strengthen his position in that area, Including Bakr and Yaqut Fort.[41]

  • Bab el Khemis, one of the old gates of Tlemcen.
    Bab el Khemis, one of the old gates of Tlemcen.
  • Remnants of the Zianide fortress of Timzizdekt.
    Remnants of the Zianide fortress of Timzizdekt.
  • Modern image of El Mechouar entrance.
    Modern image of El Mechouar entrance.

Other constructions

Madrasas

Zellij fragments of the decoration on the entrance portal from the Tashfiniya Madrasa.

The

Marinids, introduced the first madrasas to the eastern and western Maghreb.[42] The first madrasa was built in 1310 in Tlemcen by Abu Hammu I and was called "al-Madrasa al-Qadima" or "Old Madrasa" (now madrasa Ouled El Imam).[42]

Reconstruction of the madrasa's entrance portal in the 19th century, before its demolition.

The Abd al-Wadid rulers showed great interest in building madrasas, aiming to revive the Maliki school of thought and uproot the roots of the Almohad school. Moreover, the establishment of schools aimed to spread education and culture in Tlemcen, as well as guide the subjects. It also marked the advancement of scientific and cultural life. Madrasas in the kingdom featured a library for the students' benefit, along with a private wing to accommodate both students and travelers.[23] Financial support for these institutions came from both the central power and affluent merchants and scholars.[43]

Zayyanid era and served as a refuge for students of knowledge. The traveler Al-Hassan Al-Wazzan referred to these madrasas, stating, "There are many excellent mosques in the city of Tlemcen, with imams and preachers, and five well-built, adorned schools."[29] Ibn Al-Ahmar also mentioned these madrasas, indicating that the number of schools established in the city of Tlemcen during the Zayyanid dynasty amounted to five major schools.[44]

The most notable examples of Zayyanid schools is the

Maliki scholar Abu Musa Al-Mushaddali, who was among the leading scholars.[45]

Civic work

Historical corridor of El Ubbad in Tlemcen, dating back to the Zayyanid era.

During the Zayyanid rule in

Zayyanids built several Fonduqs (lodging places) to accommodate European traders in Tlemcen[47] as well as the city of Oran. Hassan al-Wazzan, a traveler of the time, noted the existence of funduqs with imposing walls during his journey to the city.[48]
In Tlemcen, given the city's significant trading importance, Sultan Abu Hammu I allocated substantial areas on the north and south sides for these funduqs.[49] Some civil structures from the Zayyanid era still stand today, such as the bridge of Safsaf and the grand Basin of Tlemcen, built under the reign of Abu Tashufin I, which was used for distributing to the fields and houses during times of drought and to withstand sieges during times of war.[50][51]

Decoration

Geometric patterns

Muqarnas inside the mihrab of Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque

One of the prominent

polygons and gypsum decorations including ceramic lattice work are also attested among Zayyanid decoration.[55]

Floral and vegetal motifs

Further information: Arabesque
An arabesque decorative piece from the Zayyanid madrasa of Ouled El Imam, currently housed in the Museum of Tlemcen.

The

leaves
. Among the components of this botanical embellishment is the "maharra",[56]: 27  from which palm fronds branch out. This element is also recurrent in the design of the mosque of Sidi Ibrahim.[52]: 173 

Calligraphic Ornaments

Further information: Islamic calligraphy

Kufic script. Kufic script was also present in the mihrab of Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque[52]: 161  and Sidi ibrahim complex. It was also used in capitals and for commemorative plaques,[58] and prominently appeared in mosques such as Sidi Ibrahim,[58]: 253  as well as minarets like those of the Great Mosque of Nedroma and the El Mechouar Mosque minaret.[53]
: 212 

Citations

  1. ^ Bloom & Blair 2009, pp. 155, 158.
  2. ^ a b c d e Bloom 2020, p. 187.
  3. ^ a b c d e Charpentier 2018.
  4. ^ Filali 2002, p. 110.
  5. ^ Abun-Nasr 1987.
  6. ^ Julien 1994, p. 485.
  7. ^ a b Qantara 2008.
  8. ^ Niane 1984, p. 93.
  9. ^ Ruano 2006, p. 309.
  10. ^ Bel 1993, p. 65.
  11. ^ a b Talbi 1997, p. 29.
  12. ^ Abun-Nasr 1987, p. 138.
  13. ^ a b Piesse 1862, p. 239.
  14. ^ a b c d Laraj 1991, pp. 101–125.
  15. ^ Marçais 1954, p. 108.
  16. ^ azzoug 2006, p. 51.
  17. ^ a b c d azzoug 2006, p. 52.
  18. ^ Bourouiba 1969, p. 186.
  19. ^ a b c Iles & Hamma 2019.
  20. ^ a b Qantara (al-Mishwār).
  21. ^ a b Lafer.
  22. ^ Lafer 2023.
  23. ^ a b c Filali 2002, p. 116.
  24. ^ Khaldūn & Bel 1913, p. 129.
  25. ^ a b Charpentier 2018, pp. 137–144.
  26. ^ Hadjiat 1974, p. 60.
  27. ^ a b Filali 2002, p. 115.
  28. ^ de la Véronne 2002, p. 48.
  29. ^ a b Léon African 1526, p. 20.
  30. ^ a b c d Al-Watan n.d.
  31. ^ Charpentier 2018, p. 146.
  32. ^ Charpentier 2018, p. 140.
  33. ^ Arnold 2017, pp. 223–224.
  34. ^ Milli 2004, p. 486.
  35. ^ Filali 2002, p. 114.
  36. ^ al-Jazairi 2018, p. 130.
  37. ^ Hamma, Djedid & Ouissi 2016, pp. 42–60.
  38. ^ Ricard 1924, p. 225.
  39. ^ al-Abdari 1968, p. 11.
  40. ^ Brunschvig 1940.
  41. ^ Filali 2002, pp. 41–42.
  42. ^ a b Marçais 1954, pp. 284–285.
  43. ^ Filali 2002, p. 141.
  44. ^ Ismail 2001, p. 48.
  45. ^ El-Tenessy 1830, p. 141.
  46. ^ al-Abdari 1968, pp. 21–28.
  47. ^ Filali 2002, p. 136.
  48. ^ Léon African 1526, p. 30.
  49. ^ Nuqadi 2012, pp. 167–178.
  50. ^ Shaw 1830, p. 242.
  51. ^ Filali 2002, p. 125.
  52. ^ a b c d أبو طارن, مبارك (2011). العمائر الدينية في المغرب الأوسط. Muʼassasat Kunūz al-Ḥikmah lil-Nashr wa-al-Tawzīʻ. p. 161.
  53. ^ a b عبد المالك, موساوي (2012). تطابق فن الزخرفة بين تلمسان والأندلس. pp. 36–37, 75.
  54. ^ عبد المالك, موساوي (2011). فن الزخرفة في العمارة الإسلامية بتلمسان. دار السبيل للنشر والتوزيع - الجزائر. p. 81.
  55. ^ Marçais, William (1903). Les monuments arabes de Tlemcen. A. Fontemoing. pp. 432–435.
  56. ^ a b فائزة, مهتاري. الزخارف في المساجد الزيانية والمرينية بتلمسان. Revista Argelina. p. 25.
  57. ^ نبيلة, رزقي. الزخرفة الجصية في عمائر المغرب الأوسط والأندلس. p. 102.
  58. ^ a b بورويبة, رشيد. كتاب الكتابات الأثرية في المساجد الجزائرية. الشركة الوطنية للنشر والتوزيع. p. 77.

Sources

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