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The Medina of Fez (UNESCO Heritage Site) is considered as one of the most extensive and best conserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world. It not only represents an outstanding architectural, archaeological and urban heritage, but also transmits a life style, skills and a culture that persists and are renewed despite the diverse effects of the evolving modern societiesFounded by Abu Said in 1325 in the heart of the medina, the Attarine was designed as an annex to the nearby Kairaouine mosque. The central courtyard displays the traditional patterns of Merenid artisanship, with magnificent zellij (tilework), carved plaster and cedar wood

The al-Attarin Madrasa, and the other Marinid madrasas, illustrate the translation of a palatial language of materials and decorations into a religious setting

The al-Attarine madrasa, like the other Marinid madrasas of Fez, is celebrated for its rich decorative programme, concentrated in the rectangular arcaded courtyard. The courtyard opens onto a square prayer hall, and is luxuriously ornamented with glazed tile (zellij) dados and pavement, intricate carved stucco ornament on walls and piers, carved and painted wooden arches and cornices, and marble columns

The carved stucco and glazed tile revetment with their highly delicate, almost lace-like, treatment and tendency to ever smaller scale is unique to the Marinid foundations in Morocco

The madrasa takes its name from the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market

Sound: The Fez Singers - Dua Nasiri (fragment) 2016

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu Sanda Negruțiu Internet slide2-5, 45Copyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuhttps://plus.google.com/+SandaMichaela