Description of the attraction
Bu Inania Madrasah is not just a former Muslim religious school, but also one of the most interesting sights of the ancient city of Fez. She is one of the outstanding examples of world architecture.
Bu Inania Madrasah was built in 1350-1355. in the Moorish style. Bu-Inana was the initiator of its creation. This is the only school in the city that has its own minaret. It was used not only as a school, but also as a Friday mosque. A certain feature of the madrasah was that there were shops nearby, on the proceeds of which the school itself was supported.
Inside the madrasah there are courtyards, prayer and study rooms, which can be accessed from the main courtyard. The complex is richly decorated: luxurious faience decor, exquisite plaster molding and wood carvings. On the facade you can see a complex old system of water clocks, which are a unique example that has survived to this day. Previously, up to 100 boys of 8-10 years of age could study in a Muslim religious school at the same time, but now it is inactive and acts as an architectural monument of the Merinid era.
In the center of the Bu-Inania madrasah, you can see a large marble fountain. Near it there is a gallery and a prayer hall, behind which the living quarters are located. The prayer hall itself is very beautiful: the light enters the room through magnificent stained glass windows decorated with interesting geometric patterns and expensive stucco moldings.
Near the central gate of the Bu Inania madrasah there is a small wooden door framed by strong columns, which is called the "Gate of the have-nots". This entrance is for Muslims who have come to ask for help. Nearby were the very shops selling various things made by students' hands.
Of particular interest to visitors are the walls decorated with arabesques and mosaics, a carved cedar ceiling made in the form of a sea shell, and a swimming pool located in the ablution hall.
Today, the Bu Inania Madrasah is a pearl, a precious masterpiece, testifying to the wealth of the ancient imperial city of Fez.
