Inner Chamber of the Al-Attarine Madrasa

The Al-Attarine Madrasa in the medina of Fès is a feast for the eyes. It seems that every square inch of the madrasa was carved in intricate designs. You can’t tell this is so from the outside since there are hardly any indication on the importance of this place. Entering the madrasa is like entering another world. Outside the medina of Fès buzzes with activity, while the inside of the madrasa is like an oasis of peace within the city. I guess this was also the intention when the madrasa was built. Being a school, it is best that the students focus on their studies rather than what is outside. The madrasa has high walls to keep the noise of the outside from entering.

If you want even more peace, the madrasa has an inner chamber. Unfortunately, I have no idea of the purpose of the inner chamber since there was no literature on this. Unlike the outer one, this chamber has a roof overhead. Dominating the chamber is a large chandelier. It would have been nice to know what this place was actually used for but there was no guide to tell you. The walls of the inner chamber were still carved with elaborate designs while there are stained glass windows near the top of the inner chamber. I was actually surprised to see this in a madrasa because I thought that these were a uniquely Christian church feature.

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