Sidi Ben Achir Mosque, Rabat

The Sidi Ben Achir Mosque in Rabat is both a religious site and a place of pilgrimage, deeply intertwined with the legacy of its namesake, Sidi Ben Achir. A revered 14th-century saint, Ben Achir was known for his healing abilities and was affectionately referred to as "The Doctor." His reputation as a spiritual and medical figure continues to attract Moroccan devotees seeking solace and blessings.

Sidi Ben Achir was born in Al-Andalus, in Jimena, within the present-day province of Cadiz, Spain. He later settled in Sale, a historic city across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat, where he became a key religious figure. Following his death in 1364, his mausoleum was built on the western tip of Sale, an area that subsequently took his name and became known for the neighboring Addoumoue stronghold, also called Borj Sidi Ben Achir.

Over time, the mausoleum received several restorations, first under the Alawite sultans Moulay Abdellah ibn Ismail and Moulay Abderrahmane ibn Hicham, and more recently in 2012 under King Mohammed VI. Today, the site remains an important pilgrimage destination, particularly for those seeking divine intervention for illnesses. However, as with many mosques in Morocco, Sidi Ben Achir Mosque is not open to non-Muslim visitors.

The Sidi Ben Achir Mosque and its adjoining cemetery stand as enduring symbols of the city's spiritual heritage, drawing visitors who wish to connect with Morocco’s deep-rooted traditions.