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Bou Inania Madrasa Fez

Introduction

Magnificent Bou Inania Madrasa in Fez was founded by Merinid Sultan Abou Inan in the year 1351. The construction completed in 1358. Beyond the massive brass entrance doors, its interior courtyard is a masterpiece of elaborate zellige tilework from the 14th century. Today it is still an active religious building, and it is one of the few mosques in Morocco that remains open for all to visit, including those that are not Muslim, providing a unique experience for tourists.

A splendid minaret of Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
A splendid minaret of Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
Woodwork on the entrance door to the courtyard
Woodwork on the entrance door to the courtyard
Main facade seen from the courtyard of the Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
Main facade seen from the courtyard of the Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
A central fountain (ablution area) in the courtyard
Wood and plaster work on walls surrounding the courtyard
Wood and plaster work on walls surrounding the courtyard
Inner room (prayer hall) - seen from the courtyard
Inner room (prayer hall) - seen from the courtyard
Stained glass windows of the inner room
Stained glass windows of the inner room
Arches in front of the mehrab
Arches in front of the mehrab
Twin arches of Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
Twin arches of Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
Myself experimenting with shade and contrast
Myself experimenting with shade and contrast

Artistic Decorations

All the walls have been covered by handcrafted stuccos and even the spaces between columns have been decorated in this magnificently delicate art form. Geometrical motifs and designs and calligraphy (Arabic cursive) can also be seen. In the courtyard the ablution fountain still runs; its water supply comes directly from the Fez River. Smaller courts off either side functioned as classrooms, and students lived upstairs.

Mehrab sits behind the archesin the building
Mehrab sits behind the archesin the building
This wooden door leads to the courtyard
Plaster work inside the Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
The building is like poetry in motion
The building is like poetry in motion
Attention to details of the work is just unbelievable
Attention to details of the work is just unbelievable
Ceiling of the Bou Inania Madrasa Fez
Close up of the ceiling
A close up of the ceiling
A corridor leads to the area where students live
A corridor leads to the area where students live
Adorned walls of the interior
Adorned walls of the interior
Ceiling of the corridor
Ceiling of the corridor