There is a hidden jewel of ancient, Berber Islamic architecture, serenely placed within the N’Fiss Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. Travel 40 kms south of L’Amandier Villas in Ouirgane, along a narrow mountain road, and you will come across the village of Tinmel (or Tin Mal) and its quietly imposing centrepice, the Tinmel Mosque. The journey alone makes this trip worthwhile as every twist and turn brings spectacular views, but first sight of the Mosque transports you into back into long distant history, rich with empires battling out cultural and ideological differences.

Tinmel Mosque was built in 1156 to commemorate Mahdi ibn Toumert, the founder of the Almohad Dynasty. A Berber dynasty with strict Muslim values, the Almohad marched from Tinmel village in 1147 to seize the city of Marrakech from the ruling Almoravid dynasty and eventually went on to conquer North Africa and Moorish Iberia.

It was considered an architectural masterpiece and is said to be based on the Great Mosque of Taza, near Fez. In turn, the Koutoubia Mosque of Marrakech is modelled on Tinmel. Built in the local style of lime, stone and mortar, it lay in ruins for centuries before renovations began in 1997.

The plasterwork and original designs of the Mihrab have been restored (above) and there is evidence all around of the intricate work and beautiful design.

Timel is one of only two mosques in Morocco that is open for visits from non-Muslims (Hassan II in Casablanca is the other), and it is well worth the effort.

Related posts:

1. Argan oil: a cooperative in the Ouirgane Valley
2. Trekking: Ouirgane to Kasbah Tamadot
3. Kasbah Shama