Bou Inania Madrasa

The Bou Inania Madrasa was built between 1350 and 1356 by sultan Faris ibn Ali Abu Inan al-Mutawakkil, a Marinid ruler who took the power from his father and declared himself sultan in 1348. His father had managed to expand the empire to the east and brought a lot of prosperity, however the same could not be said about Abou Inan, whose government, even though somehow prosperous, was marked by violence. He was killed at age of 31 by his own vizier and his death marked the decline of the Marinid dynasty.

There are different theories about why Abu Inan built the madrasa. Certainly the building played an important political role but there are some rumors regarding the construction as well. The first theory is that he felt remorse for deposing his father and sought advise with the religious leaders about how he could redeem himself. He was advised to build a madrasa on the city´s rubbish dump, so he could clean his consciousness by doing something good to an abandoned place. There is also another theory that says Abou Inan just wanted to build a bigger madrasa thinking about his ego and as a rival to Kairaouine mosque. There is also the possibility that there is truth in both theories. 

The Marinid dynasty built many madrasas, these served to educate Islamic scholars and played an important role for the establishment of the dynasty because it was through the patronage of madrasas that the Marinid got to influence the religious elite and gain their support. 

In the case of Bou Inania, the madrasa became so important that is also started to serve as a mosque. Later it gained the status of Grand Mosque and had all the facilities and decoration of a major mosque. 

The madrasa has a simple layout but the decoration is beautiful. Every part of it was handcrafted and required many hours of work and dedication. The roof is covered in green tiles and carved cedar. The floor is covered by marble and the walls are covered by handcrafted stuccos and Arabic cursive calligraphy. 

It has a large courtyard where a fountain still runs water directly from the Fez River. It is decorated with marble and the entrance chamber has Andalusian influences.  The room is flanked by two halls and an oratory.

The prayer hall is connected to the courtyard and its interior has row of arches with onyx and marble columns. Finally, the southern wall of the madrasa has the mihrab, which symbolizes the direction of prayer. Its walls are also decorated with handcrafted stuccos. 

The minaret is known to be the most beautiful in Fes and the only attached to a madrasa in Morocco. It is made of brick and topped by a tower, this one also topped, but by a cupola. The four sides of the minaret are decorated according to Moroccan architecture.

The Bou Inania Madrasa is located opposite to Dar al-Magana, that features a water clock whish use is believed to be determining the right prayer time. It is not certain but specialists believe that the sultan Abu Inan built it alongside the madrasa. The building has 13 corbels carved in cedar wood and 12 windows decorated with handcrafted stuccos. 

The Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the main attraction in Fes. However do not forget to check other attractions. Walk around the Medina of Fes and enjoy everything it has to offer; visit Al-Attarine Madrasa; Karaouine Mosque and University; the famous Tanneries; Najjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts; Souk Seffarine; Bab Al Amer Gate; the beautiful Blue Gate; Ibn Danan Synagogue; Jnan sbil Gardens; Marinid Tombs, and Dar Batha just to mention some main attraction. Fes has a lot to offer and is a must-see in Morocco.