: Fez. Low angle view of interior, with doorway to sanctuary

Fez

Low angle view of interior, with doorway to sanctuary, Moulay Idriss II Mosque, Fez, Morocco, pictured on February 21, 2009. The Mosque of Moulay Idriss II (reigned 803-828), was built by the Idriss dynasty and restored in the 13th century by the Merenids. Containing the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, who is believed to aid women's fertility, it is an important pilgrimage destination and a zaouia or sanctuary. Across the entrance a wooden beam excludes Jews, Christians, and donkeys from the horm, or sacred area around the shrine, where Moroccans may historically claim sanctuary from arrest. The tomb, covered in brocade and surrounded by the faithful burning candles and incense, is visible through the doors, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims kissing the wood for baraka or blessing. Fez, Morocco's second largest city, and one of the four imperial cities, was founded in 789 by Idris I on the banks of the River Fez. The oldest university in the world is here and the city is still the Moroccan cultural and spiritual centre. Fez has three sectors: the oldest part, the walled city of Fes-el-Bali, houses Morocco's largest medina and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Fes-el-Jedid was founded in 1244 as a new capital by the Merenid dynasty, and contains the Mellah, or Jewish quarter; Ville Nouvelle was built by the French who took over most of Morocco in 1912 and transferred the capital to Rabat. Picture by Manuel Cohen

Picture No

13447101

Media ID

45153898

Size

5616px x 3708px (9.6MB)

Credit

Manuel Cohen / Mary Evans

Source

Photograph by Manuel Cohen