Fez, Morocco
Religious site in Fez, Morocco
The Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani is a religious complex in the al-Blida quarter of Fes el-Bali, north of the Qarawiyyin, holding the tomb of Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani, founder of the Tijaniyya order in the 18th century. Born in Aïn Madhi in present-day Algeria, he moved to Fez in 1789, where Sultan Moulay Slimane gave him a house for his followers. He then bought land with his own money in al-Blida, then known as al-Dardas, and built the zawiya around 1800; he died in Fez and was buried there, and the complex was later enlarged. It is known for its richly decorated street façades of zellij and carved wood, and for its turquoise-green minaret, easy to spot among the medina lanes. The zawiya draws followers of the order from around the world, from Morocco, Algeria and Egypt, and above all from sub-Saharan Africa, especially Senegal. The lanes around it are busy with visitors in many styles of dress and shops selling prayer beads and books, a vivid sign of Fez's deep spiritual ties with Africa.
It is a place of worship and pilgrimage; entry is for Muslims, while others can admire the façade and minaret from the lane. Those entering should dress modestly, keep quiet and remove their shoes; women use their own section. Do not photograph pilgrims or worshippers without permission. It is a short walk from the Qarawiyyin, easy to include in a medina walk.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionFez, Morocco
