Travellive 7 - 2018

Leaving Bab Boujloud, the two main
streets lead me deep into the medina,
where all the magnificent Spanish-
Islamic architecture (hispanomoresque)
is located. There may not
be a place on earth as beautiful as
the madrasa (Islamic school) in Fez.
Each madrasa is a collection of prayer
rooms and dormitories covering the
four sides of a large and quiet yard.
The walls are decorated with mosaic
patterns or sophisticated and elegant
calligraphy. Standing in the solitude
of the madrasa, the chaotic noise of
the market melted away.
Fez's heart lies at the center of the
medina, where the tomb of Moulay
Idris II - the second king of the Idrisid
dynasty and founder of the city. Next
to the mosque is Al Quaraouiyine, the
oldest Islamic university in the world,
founded in 859. However, like all
other Moroccan tombs and mosques
(except Hassan II in Casablanca) Fez
does not allow non-Muslims inside.
Because of this I could only stand
outside, where I admired the fine
carvings elaborately decorated on the
massive gate and entrance.
LOST IN ALLEYWAYS
I left the big attractions to wander
between the narrow-crooked alleyways
and little squares, where I heard
the echoes of weaving looms and
the light thud of wood carving from
Nejjarine Square or the clink of the
blacksmith's hammer from
Seffarine Square.
The walls of Fez encompass invaluable
cultural and architectural treasures. Standing in
the solitude of the madrasa, the chaotic noise of the
market melted away...
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TRAVELLIVE