14th century – 14th century
Fez, Morocco
The Abu 'Inaniyya Medersa is a monumental college of higher education at Fez, associated with the new medersa building type that appeared in the Maghrib during the thirteenth century. Its stated construction dates are 1350–1357. The institution belongs to the post-Almohad architectural tradition, whose typical plan included an inner courtyard, fountain, student rooms, balconies, and a large room serving as classroom and oratory.
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The Story
The Abu ‘Inaniyya Medersa at Fez is identified as the most monumental example of the medersa type discussed in the extract. Medersas appeared in the Maghrib during the thirteenth century as colleges of higher education borrowed from the East. Their emergence marked the arrival of a new institutional and architectural form in the cities of the western Muslim world.
The usual plan of a medersa was relatively simple but functionally integrated. An inner courtyard with a fountain stood at the center, surrounded by balconies and rooms for students. On one side, a large chamber with a mihrab served simultaneously as classroom and oratory, combining educational and religious functions.
The Abu ‘Inaniyya was built between 1350 and 1357 in Fez. It illustrates the mature post-Almohad architectural tradition, whose technique the extract considers highly accomplished. The building’s importance lies not only in its monumentality but also in its representation of the institutional culture of higher education in the medieval Maghrib.
14th century – 14th century
Fez, Morocco
The Abu 'Inaniyya Medersa is a monumental college of higher education at Fez, associated with the new medersa building type that appeared in the Maghrib during the thirteenth century. Its stated construction dates are 1350–1357. The institution belongs to the post-Almohad architectural tradition, whose typical plan included an inner courtyard, fountain, student rooms, balconies, and a large room serving as classroom and oratory.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Abu ‘Inaniyya Medersa at Fez is identified as the most monumental example of the medersa type discussed in the extract. Medersas appeared in the Maghrib during the thirteenth century as colleges of higher education borrowed from the East. Their emergence marked the arrival of a new institutional and architectural form in the cities of the western Muslim world.
The usual plan of a medersa was relatively simple but functionally integrated. An inner courtyard with a fountain stood at the center, surrounded by balconies and rooms for students. On one side, a large chamber with a mihrab served simultaneously as classroom and oratory, combining educational and religious functions.
The Abu ‘Inaniyya was built between 1350 and 1357 in Fez. It illustrates the mature post-Almohad architectural tradition, whose technique the extract considers highly accomplished. The building’s importance lies not only in its monumentality but also in its representation of the institutional culture of higher education in the medieval Maghrib.