Hello everyone,
Last Saturday I went on a wonderful trip to Fes, a town about 60 kilometres from my home town of Meknes. The aim of the trip was to visit some of the historic monuments in the medina, also known as Fes el-Bali, or the old town, whose history goes back more than 12 centuries.
In previous articles, I've posted about some of these monuments, but given the sheer number of them, it's impossible to visit them all in one day, or even two.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to discover the following monuments: the Médersa El-ATTARIN (Médersa in Arabic means School), the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Fondouk of Traditional Crafts, the Place Seffarine, the Hammam Seffarine (Hammam means traditional Moroccan bath: Hammam Seffarine is a former women's hammam from the 14th century that is now a museum !), and finally, I took a nice walk in the historic garden of Jnane Sbil.
In this article, I'm going to share with you my visit to the historic El-ATTARIN school, which is very similar to the BOU-INANIA school, which I visited earlier. However, the difference between the two schools is that El-ATTARIN has a first and second floor, with many rooms where students used to study. I'll show you all about it in this article.
In the heart of the Medina (ancient Fes), stands one of the city's wonders, the historic EL-ATTARIN school, a masterpiece over 700 years old and emblematic of the Marinid era. This dynasty, which succeeded the Almohads and ruled Morocco for two centuries, left its mark on its era through its profound interest in science and scholars. Traces of this heritage are still visible today.
When you walk through the door of this school, you have the impression of going back seven centuries, to the time of the Marinids. It is a harmonious blend of Moroccan, Oriental and Andalusian architectural influences, resulting in a true pearl of Islamic art. It bears the name El-Attarin because it is located in the perfumers' quarter, where Al-Attr in Arabic means perfume !
Each element of the Medersa (School) tells a story. The floor, for example, is paved with marble, a rare material imported at great expense and often used for fountains and columns. This marble leads on to incredible Moroccan zellige mosaics, a testament to Andalusian-Moroccan craftsmanship. Higher up, walls adorned with sculpted plaster reveal sublime arabesques and inscriptions. These decorations, known as tawriq, reached their apogee under the Marinids.
The windows and doors are embellished with carved wooden moucharabiehs, a typical feature of Islamic architecture. These moucharabiehs allow you to see without being seen, while providing optimum ventilation and soft light. Finally, the roof is covered in green ceramic tiles, protecting the structure from the elements while adding a touch of elegance.
The Medersa EL-ATTARIN was a Koranic school, but as was often the case in the medieval Islamic world, teaching was not limited to religion. Medicine, astronomy, logic and literature were also studied. In those days, a student had to memorize the Koran and master the Islamic sciences to be admitted to these schools, which then offered higher education.
At the inauguration of the Médersa, the Merinid sultan is said to have uttered these lines:
It doesn't matter what the price is if beauty is there, for nothing is worth what delights the eyes.
These words sum up the spirit of the Marinids, who left their mark on Moroccan history by investing in science, architecture and culture. The Médersa EL-ATTARIN remains a living testimony to this glorious era, attracting visitors from all over the world.
I'm now going to enter the big room where the meetings were held!
I'm going to explore the first two levels of the place, the second floor and then the second... It's always a thrill to climb from one floor to the next, because you never know what's waiting for you behind each door or in each corner. Let's get on with this little discovery!
The students' rooms, small and modest, reflected their life of austerity. These students, often artisans, spent their days working (in the forge or the souks, for example) before devoting their evenings to their studies. Honestly, as I walked through these rooms, I felt a strange and unique sensation. Entering these rooms, which were used as study halls over 700 years ago, touched me deeply...
Frankly, with the sheer number of rooms in this place, I'm a bit worried about missing an interesting corner or not managing to explore everything properly. I have this habit of liking to wander around on my own, without a guide, because it gives me a certain pleasure and freedom in my discoveries. I can take my time, linger where I want, and savor every detail at my own pace. As for historical information, I don't worry too much, as it's often well explained on signs or posters at the entrance or reception. That's how I learn more about the places I visit. But still, I have this fear of missing something important... so I'm going to pay extra attention 😄
These magnificent windows are an immediate eye-catcher. Not only do they bring in light, they also seem to offer an unobstructed view of the school's inner courtyard. I can already imagine the pleasure of stopping in front of them to contemplate the heart of this establishment, with its unique architectural details, its serenity, and perhaps even the echoes of footsteps echoing below. This kind of view lends a special charm to these places and makes me want to linger a little longer to better appreciate this rare perspective.
From a few windows, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the old town's narrow streets !
When my trip to Fes was over, I took the train back to Meknes. I arrived in the early evening. On the way home, I was amazed by the sight of the moon. I took the opportunity to take a few photos, which I'll share with you.
I'd like to thank you for taking the time to accompany me on this journey through my words and photos. It's always a pleasure to share with you these unique moments and discoveries rich in history and emotion.
I look forward to seeing you soon in a new article, where I'll take you to discover another historic gem in the fascinating city of Fes. This city is never short of surprises, and I can't wait to reveal its hidden treasures to you.
Until then, be well, and see you soon for new adventures. Until the next one 😘
I'm Redwan from Morocco, a country rich in history, culture and natural landscapes! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).