Did you know that we are standing before one of the holiest shrines in Morocco? This is the Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II. It is also known as the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II.
Moulay Idriss II ruled Morocco from 807 to 828. He is considered the primary founder of Fez. The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II is located in the heart of Fes el-Bali. This old medina is a UNESCO-listed site.
Let me tell you more about Moulay Idriss II. He was the son of Idris I. Idris I was a descendant of Muhammad. Idris I fled from Abbasid-controlled territory. He allied with local Berbers in 789. He became a significant leader. Idris I died in 791 just before his son was born. Moulay Idriss II expanded the Idrisid state. He gained independence from Berber allies. He extended control over most of modern Morocco. Moulay Idriss II moved the capital to Fez in 809. He turned Fez into a vital urban center. The Qarawiyyin Mosque and University were established in 859. Moulay Idriss II became the patron saint of Fez.
The Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II is not clearly traceable before the Marinid dynasty. The history of the shrine is linked to the resurgence of the sharifs. Most believe Idris II was buried in the mosque next to his palace. This mosque was called the Shurafa Mosque. It served as the city’s early Friday mosque.
During the Umayyad-Fatimid rivalry, the Zenata Berbers deposed the Idrisids. Moussa ibn Abi al-Afya discredited the Idrisids. He denied that the Shurafa Mosque contained Idris II’s tomb. The Friday sermon was transferred to the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. The mosque and mausoleum were neglected. The cult of Moulay Idriss II declined.
The Marinids revived the importance of the sharifs. They sought legitimacy by fostering sharifian dynasties. They cautiously fostered the various sharifian dynasties and factions inside Morocco for support. They rebuilt the mosque after its collapse in 1308. In 1437 a buried body was discovered and identified as Idris II. A marble panel recounting the event was placed above the tomb. The cult surrounding Moulay Idriss II slowly rekindled.
The Saadis and Alawis took over Morocco. They made contributions to the zawiya. Moulay Ismail rebuilt the zawiya in the early 18th century. This included the minaret and mausoleum chamber. Abd al-Rahman erected a new mosque extension in 1824. Muhammad al-Qandusi painted the calligraphic representation of Allah. The zawiya has been restored several times since the 19th century.
The zawiya’s minaret is the tallest in the old city. The green-tiled pyramidal roof marks the mausoleum chamber. The Kissaria bazaar is on the zawiya’s eastern side. The Hammam Moulay Idris is on the south side of Place Nejjarine.
Streets around the zawiya have horizontal wooden bars. These mark the sanctuary. Non-Muslims were forbidden beyond this point until 1912. The sanctuary includes the Jama Mqalqin mosque. It includes the Dar al-Qaytoun house. It also includes an abattoir.
The zawiya’s most monumental entrance is on the north side. This leads to the courtyard. The courtyard has a central fountain of white marble. The mausoleum chamber is at the south end of the courtyard. Walls and the mihrab are richly decorated. The ceiling is a large wooden dome. The tomb is covered by a wooden baldaquin. The mausoleum can be accessed through cedar-wood doors on the west side.
Marble columns and panels throughout the complex are Saadi in origin. A small marble column on the southern facade is likely Almoravid. The southern wall has a grilled window for prayers. There is also a slot opening for alms.
The tomb of Moulay Idriss II draws many visitors. The zawiya plays a role in the yearly Mouloud celebration. The moussem of Moulay Idriss II is the city’s most important moussem.
Remember the story of Moulay Idriss II. He is a saint. He is also the founder of this magnificent city. The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.