Mosque and University of Al Quaraouiyine, Fez...

View this post on Instagram

📍Mosque and University of Al Quaraouiyine, Fez 📍 👉Established in 859, the Kairaouine is the spiritual heart of Fez, and, arguably, all Morocco. It is also considered the world's oldest university, though it began as a simple medersa, funded by Fatima Al Fihria, a member of an elite family who emigrated from the Tunisian city of Kairouan. Expanded over the centuries, the Kairaouine is now very large, with a capacity of 20,000. This is hard to grasp on the ground, though, as shops and houses encircle it, disguising its true shape. 👉Originally built in a fairly simple style, it has seen many changes, enlargements, and embellishments over the years. Andalusian designs are prominent, as Spanish-Islamic styles became popular in Morocco, with the arrival of Muslims from Andalusia. Geometrical floral patterns, ancient kufic calligraphy, ornate plasterwork, gleaming marble, and ornate domes were all among the early designs. 👉Much work was carried out during the Marinid dynasty. Indeed, this was the mosque’s golden age. Elegant arches, towering columns, and a huge chandelier were added. The original minaret was protected by plaster and bright white paint. Pavilions were erected in the courtyards during the Saadi dynasty, and much restoration work was undertaken by the Alaouites. Today, the mosque and university showcase not only splendid Moroccan designs, but a blend of styles that were en vogue during different times in the country’s past. 👉The university library, which underwent a high-tech renovation in 2016 and is open only to students, holds a vast collection of manuscripts. The library entrance is on the south side of the complex, on Place Seffarine. 👇👇 👇👇 👉Follow us and tag yourself if you are interested in sharing your most perfect pictures of our beautiful country @moroccofriendlytravel 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 Credit:® @hafiidii.omaar @walidtighazoui @ay_el17 . . #fez #mosque ##morocco #marocco #marokko #maroc #morocco #africa #trip #picoftheday #unesco #architecturelovers #architecturephotography #architecturehunter #facade #archidaily #building #architecture #voyaged #streetart #unescoheritage #unescosite #mytraveldiary #localguide #viator #travelpics

A post shared by 🇲🇦Morocco Friendly Travel🇲🇦 (@moroccofriendlytravel) on