The Almohad Minbars: Pulpits of Power in Medieval Morocco

In episode 105 of The Story of Morocco, we explore a masterpiece of Islamic woodwork: the Almohad minbar, a portable pulpit carved from African ebony and Indian teak, inlaid with ivory and precious woods. Commissioned by Caliph Abd al-Mu'min for the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, this intricate object was more than a religious fixture—it was a symbol of Almohad authority, unity, and artistic ambition. Lucas walks Luna through its construction, its journey from Andalusi workshops to Marrakech, and its surprising later life, including a remarkable theft by Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. We also discuss the rival minbar of the Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez, the role of masjid al-jami‘ (Friday mosques) in projecting power, and the legacy of Almohad craftsmanship that still fascinates scholars today. Specific details include the use of muqarnas joinery, the calligraphic bands of Qur'anic verse, and the minbar's restoration in the 1990s. Perfect for listeners who love the intersection of art, politics, and faith in medieval North Africa.

#Almohad #Minbar #Koutoubia #Abd_al-Mumin #Marrakech #IslamicArt #Woodwork #Fez #Qarawiyyin #Saadian #Ahmad_al-Mansur #muqarnas #masjid_al-jami #Andalusi #Morocco #History #FexingoHistory #Medieval

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