أنثروبولوجيا

The Problematic Of Tinmel’s Singular Gate In The Almohad Period: Between Archaeological Evidence And Doctrinal Choice

Auteurs : Salem Mostapha . Benarfa Brahim .

Résumé

The emergence of Muḥammad Ibn Tūmart, founder of the Almohad movement, brought prominence to Tinmel during the sixth century AH / twelfth century CE. The city became the cradle of the Almohad state and a spiritual and political center. This study examines Tinmel’s single gate, known as Bāb al-Fakhkhārīn (Gate of the Potters), as an urban phenomenon extending beyond architectural description. It explores the relationship between the natural environment, defensive function, and the doctrinal foundations of Ibn Tūmart’s reformist project. The findings suggest that Tinmel’s single entrance was not merely a defensive feature. Rather, it reflected the interaction between the city’s mountainous setting and the Almohad movement’s missionary and political character. The surrounding landscape imposed specific constraints on urban design, while the movement’s mountain-based activity encouraged enclosure and control. The study also highlights the relationship between archaeological evidence and doctrinal choices. In this context, the single gate may be interpreted as a material and visual expression of unity, reflecting the rejection of plurality and adherence to a unified doctrinal path.

Mots clés

Tinmel ; Bāb al-Fakhkhārīn ; Ibn Tūmart ; Defensive Fortification