Archaeologists working in southeastern Morocco have uncovered what is now believed to be the oldest Islamic prayer site ever found in the country—a mosque dating back to the 8th century. The discovery was made at the ancient city of Sijilmassa, near the Tafilalet oasis, and spans an impressive 2,620 square meters.
According to researchers from Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, the structure was originally built under the reign of Abou Mansour Al-Yasa’ Ibn Abî Al-Qâsim, the fourth ruler of the Midrarid dynasty. Over the centuries, the mosque underwent multiple phases of renovation and expansion, with signs of continuous use and modification up through the 13th century. This long architectural lifespan reflects the mosque’s enduring role at the heart of religious and civic life in Sijilmassa.
The excavation has also unearthed intricately carved plasterwork and ornamental wooden fragments dated to the 18th century. These artistic remains provide the first tangible evidence of the Alaouite dynasty’s cultural influence in the city, suggesting that Sijilmassa maintained some level of significance even in later periods of Moroccan history.
Not far from the mosque, archaeologists uncovered a residential district from the same general era. They identified twelve homes, complete with inner courtyards, kitchen tools, and storage areas. The scale and organization of the neighborhood point to its connection with the administrative elite of the Makhzen—the central authority of the Moroccan state at the time. Its existence is especially notable given the region’s complex tribal landscape, where allegiances were often fluid and fragmented.
Sijilmassa, located near the present-day town of Rissani in Errachidia Province, was once a vital hub in the trans-Saharan trade network. Founded in the 8th century by the Midrarids, the city flourished for centuries, peaking in wealth and influence before gradually fading by the 15th century. By the early 1800s, it had been completely destroyed, disappearing into historical obscurity.
The excavation is part of a larger effort led by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture to restore and preserve the site’s legacy. The government has allocated 245.5 million dirhams to the project, underscoring Sijilmassa’s importance as a cultural and historical landmark.
