Fez, its medina and Al-qarawiyyin

 

 

It is no wonder that Morocco is one of the countries which catch the eyes of any tourist. If one asks the reason behind this tremendous attraction to Morocco, he or she would find that the so-called "Old Medina" and Al-qarawiyyin University are among the most manifest reasons .This article will deal with three points, namely Fez the third largest city of Morocco, its Old Medina and its Al-qarawiyyin University which is considered as the oldest university of the world.

First of all, Fez, one of the largest cities in Morocco, has always been the destination of hundreds of tourists thanks to its status as the country's cultural and spiritual centre. Among other reasons to this overwhelming interest to this city are the following: traditional houses (riads and dars), its varied monuments such as "Bou Inania Madrassa", Dar AL Magana, Zaouia Mawlay Idriss II, Aben Dana Synagogue, and so on. These considerable numbers of religious, civil and military monuments brought about a multi-cultural society. What is more, the architecture of Fez is characterized by construction techniques and decoration developed over a period of more than ten centuries, and where local knowledge and skills are interwoven with diverse outside inspiration (Andalousian, Oriental and African).

Second of all, the old Medina, Fez el Bali, otherwise called the walled city, is regarded as a UNESCO world Heritage site. The latter is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history. Moreover, the ancient maze-like quarters of the medina take the visitor back to the medieval times. In other words, the medina of Fez is viewed as a masterpiece of human creative genius. If a tourist wanders around its narrow alleys, he or she will get amazed and astounded by the looks of its architecture, landscape design with its aesthetic importance and human values exchange. In general, The Medina of Fez is considered as one of the most extensive and best conserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world. It not only stands for a beautiful architectural, archaeological entity and human heritage but also transmits a life style and skills of Moroccan people.

Last but not the least; Al-qarawiyyin University occupies an important spot in Fes. Over twelve hundreds years, this antique university has been one of the leading spiritual and educational centers. It has been the pioneer in the spreading of Islamic religion and Arab civilization. Please allow me, my Dear readers, to say some words about the foundation of this precious heritage. It is said that a young princess, named Fatima Al Fihria migrated with her father Mohammed Al Fihri from Tunisia to Fez, had founded the mosque of Al-qarawiyyin which provide a space for a learning center that turned out to be Al-qarawiyyin university. This is to say, women have always been active participants in the history of Islam and Arabic civilization. Furthermore, the architecture of Al-qarawiyyin has greatly participated in attracting tourists to visit Fez.

In general, Fez is and always will be one of the greatest cities in the Moroccan kingdom. For it not only attracts tourists and wanderers but it also symbolizes knowledge and human achievement.