Bou Inania Madrasa, 14th century madrasa in Fez, Morocco
The Bou Inania Madrasa is a 14th-century educational institution in Fez with a rectangular layout organized around a central courtyard paved in marble and featuring a fountain. Its rooms for teaching, student housing, and ablution spaces are arranged around this inner court.
Built between 1350 and 1355 under Sultan Abu Inan Faris, the madrasa functioned as both a school for Islamic studies and a congregational mosque serving the community. Its construction marked a period of urban expansion and intellectual growth in the city.
The building displays traditional Marinid craftsmanship through detailed stucco carvings, geometric patterns, cedar wood decorations, and intricate zellij tile work that still adorn its walls. It served as a center where students gathered for both studying religious texts and performing daily prayers together.
The madrasa is located between Tala'a Kebira and Tala'a Seghira streets in Fez's medina, where guided tours help visitors understand its layout and history. The surrounding neighborhood features narrow alleys and uneven streets typical of the old city, so comfortable walking shoes are advisable.
A water clock once operated within the building to signal prayer times to other mosques throughout Fez, making it a central timekeeper for religious observances across the city. This mechanical device was a remarkable engineering achievement for its era.
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