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covered space designated for prayer. Among these early mosques, the Great Mosque of
Kairouan in Tunisia, which was built in the seventh century, is notable. With its hypostyle

hall—a hall with a roof supported by columns—and its thoughtfully placed central
courtyard, this architectural masterpiece perfectly captures the spirit of early mosque design

and highlights the essential components that laid the foundation for later advancements in

mosque architecture.

Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
3.2.4.1.1 The Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia

fig.11: View of the Great Mosque of Kairouan in the early 20th century(Source Wikipedia)

Kairouan, Tunisia's UNESCO World Heritage city of Kairouan has become a marvel of
architecture thanks to its grand mosque(fig.11) that is known as the Uqba. Revered as one of

the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa, this sacred edifice
holds profound historical and spiritual significance.

Historical and Architectural Significance: This mosque was built on the foundation of an
early Islamic era, which makes it one of the oldest places of worship in Islam. In addition to

its religious significance, it has a lasting legacy that has served as a model for other mosques
in Northwest Africa. The perimeter of the masjid is around 405 meters in length, giving rise

to several important architecture elements which enhance its beauty.

Key Architectural Features: A hypostyle prayer room(fig.12), a beautifully designed
marble courtyard, and a distinctive square minaret (fig.13) are among the features of the