Description of the attraction
The Ibn Danan Synagogue, located in Fez, is one of the historical sights of the city of Fez. The synagogue was built in the middle of the 17th century. in the very center of the Jewish quarter Mella, which is translated from Arabic as "salt". This huge walled quarter was very different from other quarters of Fez, since the windows of Jewish houses, unlike others, looked out onto the street, and not into the courtyard. Mella became the first Jewish quarter in Morocco and was located near the Sultan's palace.
In 1999. the synagogue of Ibn Danan has undergone serious restoration work. This is one of the most modest buildings in the Mella quarter. Outwardly, it looks like an ordinary residential building with a simple door and windows located high on the walls. At the entrance to the synagogue, on the right jamb, you can see the mezuzah. Previously, the synagogue belonged to the Ben Danan family, who came from Sephardi.
There is a mikvah under the main prayer room, where all the rainwater flows. The tank has a depth of about one and a half meters, which allows you to plunge into the water with your head. Visitors can go down to the mikvah for a closer look.
Today, not a single synagogue in the Mella quarter, including Ibn Danan, is used for its intended purpose, since there is practically no Jewish population in this quarter. Despite this, many synagogues, including Ibn Danan, are protected by the local government and have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 2011, Prince Charles visited the Ibn Danan synagogue.
