Sahrij Madrasa, Medieval Islamic school in Fez Medina, Morocco
Sahrij Madrasa is a medieval Islamic school in the Fez Medina featuring architectural elements typical of the Marinid period. The structure displays geometric tilework, carved cedar wood panels, and decorative plaster details that fill its interior spaces.
A Marinid ruler commissioned this educational institution in 1321, with construction finishing in 1328. The building underwent multiple renovations over the centuries, with a major restoration effort taking place in the early 1900s.
The madrasa served as a meeting place where Islamic scholarship was taught and community members gathered for religious and social occasions. Visitors can still see how the spaces around the central courtyard were designed to accommodate both learning and living.
The building sits within the historic Medina of Fez, where narrow pathways and traditional street layouts require careful navigation. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore, as the interior features multiple levels and smaller passages.
The central courtyard holds a water basin that inspired the building's name and is surrounded by intricate zellige tilework. This feature serves both practical cooling functions and decorative purposes that define the entire complex.
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