Sahrij Madrasa

Sahrij was built between 1321 and 1323 under the Marinids on the east bank of the Fes medina, in the Andalusian quarter settled by refugees from Cordoba in the ninth century, and it takes its name from the sahrij, the large rectangular reflecting pool that fills most of its courtyard. That pool is the distinguishing feature: where other madrasas have a small central basin, here the water is a broad sheet that doubles the arcades and the carved cedar above it, which is the whole compositional idea. The zellige and stucco are of the same period and quality as the Attarine but the building has had a harder history, with long neglect and a slow restoration; the state of the woodwork and plaster varies. Its advantage is the quarter: this side of the medina has far fewer visitors than the Quaraouiyine side, and the walk over is worth doing on its own account.

History

Abu al-Hasan, then prince and heir to his father Sultan Abu Sa'id Uthman II, founded the madrasa in 1321, reportedly in his father's honour, and an onyx plaque in the prayer hall records that it was finished, and teaching began, in 1323; it was first called the Greater Madrasa, cost a reported 100,000 gold pieces and has some of the earliest zellij of any Moroccan madrasa. It later took its name from the sahrij, the basin in its courtyard, and with the smaller Sba'iyyin Madrasa beside it, begun in 1323, it lodged and taught students of the nearby Andalusian Mosque. It was restored under the Saadians and again in 1917-1924, then fell into neglect and was damaged by looters in 2009, and the local heritage agency ADER-Fès restored both madrasas, reopening them in 2017 (Wikipedia, Sahrij Madrasa).

What's there

• A reflecting pool - a broad sheet of water doubling the arcades above it.
• A 1320s Marinid work - contemporary with the Attarine and of similar quality.
• The Andalusian quarter - a quieter side of the medina settled from Cordoba.
• Uneven restoration - woodwork and plaster in varying condition.

When to go

October to April; still air for the reflection. An hour.

Good to know

Restoration is patchy and parts may be scaffolded or closed. It is on the quieter east bank and the walk over is a maze. Entry is charged. Opening hours are less reliable than at the main madrasas.

Nearby

The Andalusian mosque is adjacent; the Quaraouiyine is across the river.

Key facts