2024 - Documenting the Mosques of Tinmal and Taza: Safeguarding Almohad Heritage in Morocco
Dr. Íñigo Almela’s project focuses on two iconic mosques of the Almohad period in Morocco—Tinmal and Taza—both key to understanding the architectural legacy of the Islamic West. Following the success of his digital atlas Ataral, which documents over 70 Almohad buildings across the Maghrib and al-Andalus, Almela now turns to these two monuments which were left undocumented due to conservation works and, tragically, earthquake damage in 2023.
The project will produce precise architectural plans and detailed analysis of the Tinmal and Taza mosques, which are crucial case studies for understanding Almohad architecture and its influence on later mosque design across North Africa and Iberia. The Tinmal mosque, a prototype for Almohad monumental mosques, has long served as a reference point for scholars. Meanwhile, the mosque at Taza, despite its location in a secondary city, holds unique architectural and historical significance, with Marinid-period extensions and enigmatic structural phases that remain understudied.
Using advanced architectural survey techniques, including photogrammetry and stratigraphic analysis, Almela’s team will document and interpret the evolution of these buildings. This project is especially urgent given the earthquake damage at Tinmal, making updated documentation vital for future restoration efforts.
Dr. Almela, a specialist in Almohad and western Islamic architecture, brings experience from major research institutions in Spain, Germany, and Turkey. With Barakat Trust support, this project will contribute significantly to the preservation and study of Maghribi Islamic heritage.


















