Islamic Heritage : The Three Doors Mosque in Kairouan

      As you wander through the streets of Kairouan, passing through the bustling souks or heading toward the magnificent Great Mosque of Okba, you’ll hear the soothing background sound of local Qu’ranic recitation or the call to prayer (Adhan) echoing through the air… The distinct rhythm of Hayek tools adds to the atmosphere as you walk through Souk El Jraba. The narrow streets, filled with the vibrant sights and smells of mist and Makroudh, open up to the beauty of the old Medina, with its mosques, houses, and colourfully designed doors.

It’s where time seems to slow down, offering a glimpse into the soul of an ancient Arabic-Islamic city in North Africa. Here, you are in the heart of Tunisia, situated in a plain almost equidistant from the sea and the mountains, standing in one of the oldest Arab-Muslim bases in the Maghreb and one of its most significant holy cities, founded in 670.

In Kairouan, the city of 300 mosques, you’ll encounter remarkable landmarks that reflect the rich history of this spiritual hub, where history seeps from every corner. Among these, one mosque stands out for its unique architectural features. No, it’s not the Great Mosque of Okba. It’s a smaller mosque, located not far away, with a decorative façade and a modest minaret—known as the Mosque of Three Doors in Kairouan.

Unveiling the Mosque History: A Gem of Kairouan’s Islamic Heritage

Also known as the Ibn Khayrun Mosque, the Mosque of Three Doors was colloquially named after the three portals located along its famed west elevation. It was constructed during the ninth century AD (third century AH) under the Aghlabid dynasty, which ruled Ifriqiya. The construction was commissioned by Ibn Khayrun al-Ma‘afiri al-Andalusi, as stated in the inscription on the mosque’s façade, which mentions that it was established in devotion to God and hope of His forgiveness and mercy. While this inscription is incomplete, particularly in the part specifying the date of the mosque’s completion, it is known from Ibn Iḏārīs records that the mosque was built in the year 252 AH (866 CE), as mentioned in the events of that year.

Architectural Brilliance of the Mosque :

The mosque features a decorated façade with three doors framed by horseshoe arches, reminiscent of the Great Mosque of Okba. These arches rest on ancient, repurposed columns integrated into the wall.

Above them, the structure is adorned with intricate floral carvings and Arabic inscriptions arranged in three horizontal bands. The uppermost band showcases two Qur’anic excerpts, the middle band records the mosque’s foundation, and the lowest band documents a later restoration. All inscriptions are crafted in Kufic script, adding elegance and authenticity to the architectural details.

Beyond the three doors lies the prayer room, consisting of three naves aligned parallel to the qibla wall. Rows of columns with intricately carved capitals divide the space, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and symmetry. The mosque’s minaret, a later addition from the Hafsid period, is believed to have been constructed during a renovation in 1440 CE (844 AH), further enriching the historical and architectural significance of the site.

Beyond the three doors lies the prayer room, consisting of three naves aligned parallel to the qibla wall. Rows of columns divide the space, and while the room is modest in size, its simplicity radiates a serene and spiritual ambience, inviting worshippers into an intimate connection with their faith.

 The mosque’s minaret, a later addition from the Hafsid period, is believed to have been constructed during a renovation in 1440 CE (844 AH), further enriching the historical and architectural significance of the site.

 What Sets this Mosque Apart in Kairouan

According to scholar Mourad Rammah, the façade of the Mosque of Three Doors represents the oldest decorative façade in Islamic architecture. It serves as a model example of Aghlabid decorative design. Unlike other mosques in the city, its façade is uniquely clad in stone, rather than marble, making it the only exterior façade in Kairouan adorned in this way. Furthermore, it is the only façade with an inscription detailing the mosque’s original construction and subsequent renovations.

Another distinctive feature of this mosque is the absence of a courtyard, a rarity among historical mosques in Kairouan. Instead, its prayer hall lies directly behind the three doors that open onto the street.

The mosque’s minaret, added later during the Hafsid period, with its beautiful details, further enhances its uniqueness. Its design seamlessly blends local architectural traditions with influences from Andalusian-Moorish styles, making it one of the most remarkable minarets among Kairouan’s historic mosques.

Did You Know? : Fascinating Facts About the Mosque of Three Doors

• The Three Doors Mosque in Kairouan stands out as one of the oldest and most unique mosques in Medina. However, Kairouan’s old Medina is also home to 90 historical mosques: 28 from the first Islamic era, 19 from the Hafsid period, and 43 from the Ottoman period.
• The minarets of early Islamic period mosques in Kairouan—except for the Great Mosque of Okba—were not part of their original design. These structures were added centuries later, during the Hafsid period, which is the case for the minaret of the Three Doors Mosque, constructed as part of renovations in the 15th century.
• The mosque’s roof was originally crafted from juniper wood beams. This traditional feature remained in place until 1926 when it was replaced with a cross-vault structure during renovations.
• In 1974, the mosque was on the brink of collapse, with its façade and minaret at risk of crumbling into history. But thanks to a major renovation, it was saved and restored to its former glory.