اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ الفاتِحِ لِمَا أُغْلِقَ و الخاتِمِ لِمَا سَبَقَ نَاصِرِ الحَقِّ بِالحَقَِ و الهَادِي إلى صِرَاطِكَ المُسْتَقِيمِ و عَلَى آلِهِ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ و مِقْدَارِهِ العَظِيمِ
A Piece of History
Historical Sites
Our journey into history begins here, in Fez, one of the oldest cities in Morocco. Nestled in the heart of the kingdom, this imperial city is a treasure trove of history and spirituality. Through its winding alleys and lively squares, you will discover centuries of tradition, culture, and faith.
Qarawiyyin
At the heart of the Medina of Fez, the Qarawiyine, recognized as the oldest continuously operating university according to Guinness records, embodies the history and culture of Fez. It welcomes students from around the world and serves as a guardian of ancient knowledge. Its architecture has evolved over the centuries, housing a mosque, study halls, and one of the world's oldest libraries, preserving religious, scientific, and literary manuscripts, some dating back over a thousand years.
Beyond its traditional role, the Qarawiyine has been a hub of innovation with pioneering contributions in algebra, medicine, and chemistry. Largely unknown, it housed an astronomical observatory in the 14th century, contributing significantly to advancements in the field. The sundial room and an ancient design testify to its ingenuity.
The Qarawiyine, more than a place of study, played a crucial role in exchanges between the East and West in the Middle Ages. It preserved rare texts and protected ancient knowledge. Founded and funded in the year 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a noblewoman from the Fihri family originally from Kairouan, Tunisia.
The Medersas
The Medersa Attarine, a true jewel of Moroccan Medersa architecture, stands out for its exquisite architectural details, such as complex stucco work and finely carved woodwork, making it a unique and historically rich site. Initially built in the 14th century to accommodate pharmacy students, it also housed a medieval pharmacy, offering unprecedented practical education. Architects integrated an innovative lighting system, maximizing natural light while preserving the students' privacy.
The entrance door, adorned with symbolic motifs, is often interpreted as the "door of knowledge," inviting students to embrace wisdom. A hidden treasure under the courtyard and a clever water clock testify to the secretive and ingenious nature of the Medersa. Reflection alcoves and an innovative water drainage system add an intimate and functional dimension to this educational space.
At the heart of the courtyard, the "Fountain of Wisdom" symbolizes the constant flow of knowledge and ideas nourishing the students. These details reveal Medersa Attarine as more than just a place of study but a place of life and spirituality, harmoniously merging aesthetics and utility in medieval education.
Tanneries
The tanneries of Fez, hidden gems at the heart of the Medina, reveal a world where meticulous and diligent work breathes life into the inert.
In these historically charged places, dead skin takes flight, transforming into leather under the skilled hands of artisans inheriting a millennia-old tradition.
In Fez, even the expertise of tanners has been passed down from generation to generation. These techniques, not guarded jealously, pay homage to those who once had access to countless fountains of knowledge from which we continue to benefit. Each repeated gesture and each application in the colored baths tells a story of perseverance and a quest for excellence. The attached photo, a visual testament from our Sister Mrs. Ilhame, unveils these tanneries in unusually pristine condition.
In these blue-tinted vats, Madad Fes's favorite color, we can witness the metamorphosis of dead skin into leather, an alchemy shaped by the legacy of scholars.
