Sijilmassa Excavations Uncover Morocco’s Oldest Mosque and Rich Medieval Heritage

Sijilmassa Excavations Uncover Morocco’s Oldest Mosque and Rich Medieval Heritage
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Archaeological excavations at Sijilmassa, conducted from 2024 to 2025, have revealed groundbreaking discoveries that deepen knowledge of Morocco’s medieval history, Morocco World News reported. The site, a key trans-Saharan trade hub founded in the late 8th century, yielded the foundations of a large mosque spanning 2,620 square meters, dating from the late 8th century through the Alaouite period. This confirms it as one of Morocco’s oldest mosques.

Excavations uncovered carved plaster fragments with geometric and vegetal motifs from the Midrarid period, representing the oldest Islamic art in Morocco. Additionally, painted cedar wood fragments with gold leaf gilding were found in an 18th-century Alaouite madrasa, marking the first physical evidence of Alaouite architectural decoration in Sijilmassa.

Significantly, a ceramic mold with gold residue was discovered, confirming local minting of gold dinars—a rare find in Africa. Archaeologists also uncovered a complete Alaouite residential quarter with 12 houses, revealing urban planning and daily life details.

These findings illuminate Sijilmassa’s role as a cultural, religious, and economic center, reshaping understanding of Morocco’s historic African connections.