1. Great Mosque of Fes el-Jdid

The Great Mosque of Fes el-Jdid stands as the historic main Friday mosque in this royal city. Here are some intriguing details:

Founding Date: It is believed to have been founded around 1276, around the same time that the city itself was established.

Architectural Style: The mosque exhibits a blend of Marinid, Moroccan, and Moorish architectural styles.

Minaret: Its polychrome minaret, standing approximately 29 meters tall, adds to its grandeur.

Purpose: The mosque served as a Friday mosque, where important sermons took place.

Unique Position: It was only the fourth Friday mosque in Fez, alongside the Qarawiyyin Mosque, the Andalusi Mosque, and the Bou Jeloud Mosque.

Notable Features: The mosque’s minbar (pulpit), designed by a craftsman named Algharnati, was completed in 1279. The maqsura (wooden screen shielding the sultan during prayers) and the grand chandelier were installed in 1280.

Historical Burials: Sultan Abu Inan is believed to have been buried in an adjoining tomb upon his death in 1358.

2. Kairaouine Mosque (Djemaa el Kairaouine)

While not in Fes el-Jdid, the Kairaouine Mosque deserves mention. It is the second-largest mosque in Morocco (after the new Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca) and rivals Al-Azhar in Cairo as the world’s oldest university. Its rich history and architectural splendor make it a must-visit.

#Festours #Feztours #feztravel #festravel