Masjid Al Nour

“Lost in time,” a whisper echoed, “yet its spirit endures.” The Al-Anouar Mosque stands as a testament to Fes’s rich history. Originally known as the Mosque of the Sheikhs, it was established in 808 CE by Idris I. This makes it the oldest mosque in Fes. Idris I founded the city and the mosque concurrently. It was strategically placed near a well, a gathering spot for Berber tribal chiefs. These chiefs were allies of Idris I. They held meetings there. This is how the mosque got its original name. The Al-Anouar Mosque wasn’t grand or imposing. It lacked a minaret, a feature common in later mosques. The name “Al-Anouar,” meaning “Lights,” was also an epithet for Idris I. This connection further cemented the mosque’s link to Fes’s founder. As Fes grew, another mosque rose to prominence. The Mosque of the Andalusians, built in 859-860, quickly eclipsed the Al-Anouar Mosque in size and importance. By 933, the Friday sermon, or khutba, had been moved to the Andalusian Mosque. This officially marked the shift in religious focus within the city. Today, only remnants of the original Al-Anouar Mosque remain. The passage of time and the rise of other prominent structures led to its decline. What stands on the site now is a smaller prayer space, altered by numerous repairs over the centuries. It serves as a quiet reminder of the mosque’s historical significance in Fes.