Travellive 7 - 2018
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Leaving Bab Boujloud, the two main<br />
streets lead me deep into the medina,<br />
where all the magnificent Spanish-<br />
Islamic architecture (hispanomoresque)<br />
is located. There may not<br />
be a place on earth as beautiful as<br />
the madrasa (Islamic school) in Fez.<br />
Each madrasa is a collection of prayer<br />
rooms and dormitories covering the<br />
four sides of a large and quiet yard.<br />
The walls are decorated with mosaic<br />
patterns or sophisticated and elegant<br />
calligraphy. Standing in the solitude<br />
of the madrasa, the chaotic noise of<br />
the market melted away.<br />
Fez's heart lies at the center of the<br />
medina, where the tomb of Moulay<br />
Idris II - the second king of the Idrisid<br />
dynasty and founder of the city. Next<br />
to the mosque is Al Quaraouiyine, the<br />
oldest Islamic university in the world,<br />
founded in 859. However, like all<br />
other Moroccan tombs and mosques<br />
(except Hassan II in Casablanca) Fez<br />
does not allow non-Muslims inside.<br />
Because of this I could only stand<br />
outside, where I admired the fine<br />
carvings elaborately decorated on the<br />
massive gate and entrance.<br />
LOST IN ALLEYWAYS<br />
I left the big attractions to wander<br />
between the narrow-crooked alleyways<br />
and little squares, where I heard<br />
the echoes of weaving looms and<br />
the light thud of wood carving from<br />
Nejjarine Square or the clink of the<br />
blacksmith's hammer from<br />
Seffarine Square.<br />
The walls of Fez encompass invaluable<br />
cultural and architectural treasures. Standing in<br />
the solitude of the madrasa, the chaotic noise of the<br />
market melted away...<br />
96<br />
TRAVELLIVE